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No. 4. 


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OR, 

Through Great Tribulations. 


BY 

MRS. M. B. W. PARRISH. 


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Copyright 1890, by J. S. Ogilvie. 


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THE SUNNYSIDE SERIES, No. 4. Issued Monthly. October, 1890. $3.00 per year. Entered 

^ at Nev7 York Post-Office as second-clasi matter. 


New York : 

J. S. OGILVIE, Publisher, 
57 Rose Street. 






INTRODUCTION. 


With great timidity I place this little volum# 
before the cold, critical public. I cannot presume to 
believe that it will make for itself prominence in the 
world of literature, but that it may gain a slight foot- 
hold I dare to hope. 

With intense pleasure I have worked upon its pages, 
never for a moment losing sight of the fact that its 
influence upon the young must be for good or ill. If 
some time I may know that through its perusal some 
one has been led into a better life, I will have realized 
my highest ambition. 


The Author. 


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MY PRECIOUS MOTHER, 

AROUND WHOSE MEMORY CLINGS THE SWEETEST AND 
TENDEREST RECOLLECTIONS OF MY LIFE, 

THIS LITTLE VOLUME 
IS 


AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED, 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 

OR, 

THROUGH GREAT TRIBULATIONS, 


CHAPTER I. 

Good-by, Morgan, old fellow. I believe I do envy 
you this delightful seclusion, after all. Don’t forget 
your promise.” The words were spoken hurriedly as 
Morgan Preston reached his hand from the car window 
for a last hearty grasp from his friend, Philip Martin, 
just as the train was leaving the city of B. 

They were college chums, and this was their first 
separation for two years. Both had finished their 
collegiate course, and while Philip Martin slowly 
wended his way back among the intricate crossings of 
the city to his father’s law office, Morgan Preston was 
speeding to his home in B. County. The train came 
thundering along through pleasant rural villages, past 
smoky furnaces and and noisy mills, now through a 
wild ravine, and now a stretch of fertile country, green 
fields and waving forests. He watched the ever-vary- 
ing landscape as the train sped swiftly along, for after 
the first casual glance given to the other occupants of 
the car, when he first entered it, he scarcety noticed 
them. There was no familiar face among them . two 
or three old gentlemen absorbed in the papers ; a trio 


8 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


middle-aged, deep in tile mysteries of a political dis- 
cussion ; a few bright-faced school-girls lending color 
to the occasion, and a lady dressed in gray, looking so 
settled and prim, that one would instinctively notice 
her hands to see if she had brought her knitting. But 
they only clasped a small black, travelling satchel, and 
judging from her staid appearance, one might suppose 
she would travel on to the uttermost parts of the earth. 
Then there was a plain-faced matron with a cross baby 
that divided its attention between the bright ribbon on 
the lady’s l)onnet and a liberal slice of gingerbread, 
with which she tried to attract him. Young Preston 
took in the situation at a glance, and then allowed the 
beautiful panorama that was passing just outside the 
window to engage his undivided attention — that and his 
bus3^ thoughts. As regards his personal appearance 
(one must naturally feel a curiosit^^ in this direction), 
he was undeniablj^ handsome. Tall, broad-shouldered, 
well-built, a massive head, florid complexion, dark blue 
eyeSy very dark, almost black sometimes, and wavy 
masses of auburn hair, not parted in the middle, nor 
behind, nor brought down effeminately upon the fore- 
head, but thrown carelessly back, from a broad full 
brow. All this was noticeable to an observer, for the 
white leghorn resting so lightly on his head did duty 
occasionally as a fan, this being the month of June, 
hot, dusty Summer-time. After a few hours, when 
the conductor opened the door of the coach and called 
out ^AVaverly Hall ! ” Morgan Preston’s journej^ by 
rail was at an end ; and as the train steamed up to the 
station and stopped, the place looked quite familiar 
to the young man who had left it four years ago. It 
was but the work of a few minutes to transfer himself 
and his trunks to the cumbersome stage, and after a 
jolting ride of a few miles through a rugged, romantic 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


9 


country, Morgan Preston was set down at his father’s 
gate. It was an old-fashioned country farm-house set 
back from the road a little distance, abundantly shaded 
with trees, their thick, cool-looking branches continu- 
ally inviting one to quiet and repose. The halting of 
the old red stage at the gate was not unnoticed nor 
unexpected, for, with a face expressive of glad welcome, 
an elderly, sweet-faced woman hurried down the path 
to meet her son, saying (in just such a sweet voice as 
one would expect her to possess): 

“ Morgan, my son, I am so glad to have you home 
again.” 

“And I am just as glad as you are, mothei’,” he re- 
plied, “ for everything looks so comfortable here. I 
shall revel in this coolness to my heart’s content. 
Where is father ? 

“ Sit here on the porch, dear, and take this fan. I’ll 
call him.” 

Father was hallooed to at the barn and requested to 
“ come in,” as “Morgan had come.” 

He needed no second invitation — this joll^', good- 
natured old gentleman, wearing an habitual smile on 
his sunny, weather-browned face. A cordial shaking 
of hands followed, and “ Bless me, boy, but I declare 
you’ve grown wonderfully since I set eyes on you last. 
What a capital hand you’ll make in the harvest-field ! 
Ha, ha ! ” and the old gentleman rubbed his hands to- 
gether in his own peculiar, gleeful way. 

“ I have already decided upon a programme for 
harvest- time,” was the son’s laughing rejoinder. 
“ You and I are to sit in the shade, and see to it that 
the work is cari-ied on scientifically, keeping all the 
while at a respectful distance. Don’t you think that 
is a more excellent way ? ” 

“Well, well, you lazy young scamp. Why, you’d 


10 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


ruin your old father, boy ! ” and the old gentleman 
gave his over-wrought feelings vent again in another 
outburst of laughter. 

But the mother said : “ I cannot spare you, son, 

even to sit in the shade with father, for a good while 
yet. I shall weary you with questions, I’ve no doubt, 
for there are so very, very many things for you to tell 
me ; but you look so manly, dear, not like the boy we 
sent away, how do I know that some presumptuous 
miss has not already laid siege to your heart ! ” 

“ Then let me assure you, my little mother,” accom- 
panied with a boyish gesture of affection, “that you 
reign within my heart without a rival. Is that satis- 
factory' ? ” 

“Perfectly^, my son,” she said, while her beaming 
face spoke more than her words. 

Ah ! well may she smile and look happy, for rarely' 
does the man bring back to his mother the same lov- 
ing heart that the ardent schoolboy carries away'. 
In a little while she left them to prepare the evening 
meal. 

“ Have you no servant, mother ? ” asked Morgan, 
as they sat around the table soon after — a table filled 
with all procurable good things, gotten up in honor of 
the son’s return. 

“ No, my dear.” 

“ That is not right. I shall see to it that you have 
one hereafter.” 

She only smiled and said : “ I do not need one, 
dear.” 

Mr. Preston was by no means wealthy — only a 
farmer in unencumbered circumstances ; but he and 
his good wife had talked it over when Morgan was a 
boy, and had concluded, like many' other parents, that 
there was “ something in that boy ; ” and they de- 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


11 


termined to educate him, and, as his father expressed 
it, “ give him a chance to make his living without dig- 
ging and delving all his days.” Morgan was an only 
child, and had been tenderly reared ; but he did not 
know how his parents economized to gratify his am- 
bition and their own, nor how many extra daj^s of 
labor they had imposed upon themselves that, had it 
not been for his education, would have been accom- 
plished by hirelings. And the outlay at home, in 
other respects, had been curtailed that he might dress 
as well as any other student at the college, and have 
his pocket-money, too. Will his knowledge and ac- 
complishments repay them for their sacrifices and 
anxiety ? The sequel, we trust, will show. 


CHAPTER II. 

“ Stella ! Stella ! ” called Farmer McMurray’s wife 
as she stood in the doorway, shading her eyes with, 
her hand. “ Put up that book and come here this 
minute.” 

“ Yes, mother,” answered a young girl, apparently 
about eighteen, who was resting in the shade of a 
clump of trees near the house, deeply absorbed in a 
book. It was not a novel upon which she was so in- 
tent, but a time-worn English history, rich with the 
exploits of kings and queens, the rise of some and the 
downfall of others. She rose at once and followed her 
mother into the house. 

“ Take the big pitcher, and go fetch a turn of water 
for father ; then go hunt some fresh eggs, and beat up 
a cake in short order.” And in the same breath this 
notable housewife spoke sharply, but good-naturedly, 


12 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


to the colored woman : “ Fan, you hurry up with that 
churning'.” 

Stella did as she was bidden, and, as the spring was 
near by, she did not consume much time with the 
“ turn of water,” and before her father had finished 
the refreshing draught she was off to the barn after 
eggs. Soon she came in with the required number, 
and, addressing her mother, said : “ Now, will you 
oversee this, mother, or do you leave it all to me ? ” 

“ P’raps I’d better, as I want it oncommon nice. 
It’s to be a pound cake. Get your ingrediencies all 
ready. Did you know Morgan Preston had come 
home ? ” 

“Yes, mother.” 

“ Now break nine eggs in this ’ere bowl. He’s come 
home for good, I reckon.” 

“ I expect so.” 

“ His mother’s always been mighty easy on him. 
Jest wait till I roll this sugar. I suppose she will be 
wuss now than ever. Jest a pound; there, that’s it.” 

“ They say he is very dutiful.” 

“ Yes — and the same of butter. He ought to be good 
to the old folks ; they’ve done enough for him. Now 
put in them other things and the flour. He’s a nice 
looking chap. Beat it well.” 

Now, while Stella McMurray is beating her cake and 
her mother’s opinion of Morgan Preston all up together, 
we will steal a few moments to describe the situation. 
The Prestons and McMurray’s are near neighbors, 
owning adjoining farms ; hence Mrs. McMurray’s in- 
timate knowledge of them. And to-daj’’ she is expect- 
ing a half-dozen city boarders ; hence this hurry and 
preparation. They were all strangers, coming to the 
country to be fed and made comfortable. 

Mrs. McMurray’s familj^ consisted of four boys and 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


13 


one daughter, Stella being the youngest. Stella was 
not what a fastidious eye would pronounce pretty, yet 
there was something so pleasing and attractive about 
the girl that she was evei’ybody’s favorite ; and 
although she was rather diminutive in stature, there 
was something vei’y dignified in her bearing. Her 
complexion was fair, with cheeks 'whose color was con- 
stantlj’' coming and going, eyes dark, bright and ex- 
pressive, and hair so natui’ally curly that she had 
ceased to try to wear it like other people. In point of 
education she was superior to most of her neighbors. 
Her parents had given her all the advantages that the 
seminary in an adjacent town could supply, and she 
was still a student under her own tutorship. She was 
very much petted by her four big brothers, her father 
called her the finest girl in the county, and her mother 
was immen-selj" proud of “our Stella.” “There now, 
my girl, you can go and fix up a little ; I dare say 
they’ll be here before long. Did you red up the 
rooms?” 

“ Yes mother. The rooms are in order.” 

It was well that Stella “ fixed up ” as soon as she did, 
for she had no sooner donned her cool, pretty organdy, 
than the stage stopped at the gate, and deposited its 
burden of humanity and trunks. First came a fat, 
good-natured looking elderly lady, who introduced her- 
self as Mrs. Elton, and a portly gentleman near her as 
her husband. Then there was an invalid lady, Mrs. 
Morrison, with her niece. Miss Ross, as an attendant. 
Then a dandified young fellow, who was introduced as 
Mr. Todhunter, bowing profoundly in acknowledgment 
of the introduction, carrying a gold-headed cane, and 
looking all about him for a dog, for he doubtless be- 
lieved that the country was full of them. Last of all, 
a fine-looking young man stepped out, and lifted his 


u 


•WHICH SHALL IT BB ? 


hat, as his mother said : “ This is my son Harry, Miss 
McMurray.” She politely ushered them into the house^ 
had their baggage carried up, and showed them into 
their respective apartments at once. 

“ How do you think you will like them. Sis ? ” asked 
one of her brothers, when they were alone. 

“Oh, very well,” she replied; “young Mr. Elton 
especially.” 

“ Take care, Stel,” said brother George, the eldest 
of the group, “these city fellows play the mischief with 
girls’ hearts sometimes.” She only laughed a musical 
little laugh, and glanced up at him, as much as to say, 
“ Never fear ; their own are not always impregnable.” 

It was a pleasant party that gathered around the 
table soon after. The host and hostess, with Stella 
and her four brothers, healthy, stalwart, fine-looking 
young men, and the boarders.* 

“ Now, friends,” said Mr. McMurray, after he had 
asked the blessing, “ we are plain country folks here, 
and we want you to feel at home, help yourselves, and, 
if things don’t suit you, speak, and wife will try to make 
it right.” 

There was a murmured “ Thank you,” and young 
Mr. Elton replied : “ For my part, I am sure I shall 
not complain. The danger lies in this, sir; I may 
abuse my privileges.” 

“ Then I will have to complain, sir,” said the old 
gentleman, laughing. And so life began with their 
boarders. And as it progressed, all, save the invalid 
lady, Mrs. Morrison, were as agreeable as possible. 
She soon became just as hard to please as the others 
were easy. She was peevish and irritable. Her tea 
was always a little too strong or a little too weak, the 
toast was too dry or the eggs underdone, and once she 
ventured to complain that the fowl was tough, when 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


15 


only three months had passed over its innocent head. 
Miss Ross was a lady of uncommon forbearance, or she 
could not have borne this constant fault-finding- with 
everything she did for her Aunt. 

She would always apologize to Mrs. McMurray when 
coming to make her complaints about the fare, which 
was an every-day occurrence. “ Indeed, Mrs. McMur- 
ray, I thought the muffins were delightful, but Aunt 
Emma insists that they are heavy, and told me to ask 
you to send her a slice of toast. I’m sorry to trouble 
you. Let me make it.” 

“You make it? No indeed. You have your hands 
full without helpin’ me. Come, Stella, and make a nice 
slice of toast for Mrs. Morrison.” 

“’Tis too bad to give you this unnecessary work, 
Miss Stella.” 

“Never mind the work, Miss Ross, I’ll try and make 
it so nice that she can’t find fault with it.” Miss Ross 
secretly wondered if anything ever was so nice that 
Aunt Emma could not find a flaw in it. 

The commodious farm-house at Mr. McMurray’s 
could boast of but one real luxury, in the way of furni- 
ture, and that was a very superior parlor organ, a first- 
class instrument in every respect. Stella had developed 
when at school a decided aptness for music, and when 
she came home, her father had purchased this organ, 
obeying his wife’s injunction to the letter when she 
told him, “He must get no mean thing.” It was 
Stella’s custom to practice for at least an hour every 
day ; so, a few days after their arrival, supposing that 
the boarders were in their rooms, she went into the 
parlor for this purpose. In a few moments the door 
opened, and young Mr. Elton w-alked in and said : 
“Excuse my abruptness, Mi.ss McMurray, but I’m 
lonesome, and I want companionship.” 


16 


■WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


And you’ve come in search of it ; ” she finished the 
sentence for him, dropping- her hands from the key- 
board at the same time, and looking- at him smiling-ly. 

“Yes; I’m ready to exclaim : ‘O, solitude! where 
are thy charms ? ’ ” 

“I was afraid our country would be too tame for 
you.” 

“ Tame ? not at all ; at least the people ai’e not, for 
I find it difficult to make friends with them.” 

She laug’hed and replied, “I am sorry we seem so 
unused to society. ' But you are independent, Mr. El- 
ton, inasmuch as you brought civilization with you in 
its most modern type. Where's Mr. Todhunter ? ” 

“Locked in his room, I expect, trying to protect 
himself from the swarms of insects that he says infest 
the atmosphere. Ah ! ” spoken with an air of aft'ecta- 
tion. 

She laughed heartily at his mimicry and said, 
“Why, the poor fellow hasn’t had a taste of rural life 
yet.” 

“No. I wish you would take him out and set the 
dog on him ; it would take some of the starch out of 
him .” 

“Why, Mr. Elton, what an inhospitable host you 
would be. Anyone not so thoroughlj^ acquainted with 
the subject as you and I, would suppose that you are 
the uncivilized one, and not I.” 

“ I’ll not dispute the point with you, if you’ll under- 
take to civilize me.” 

“ I m afraid to accept an undertaking that promises 
so little success.” 

He laughed good-humoredly, stroked his moustache, 
and said after a moment, “I’m to understand that 
you think the raw material with which .you have to 
deal is of such an inferior quality that your work would 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


17 


Teflect very little credit upon you should 3'ou suc- 
ceed t6 the veiy best of ^-our expectations. Am I 
rig-ht? ” 

“Perhaps so. I decline to answer more definitely. 
Do 3’ou pla3' ? ” 

“How rapidly 3’ou glide from subject to subject, 
Yes, miss, I try to pla3" sometimes.” 

“ Will 3'ou pla3" for me now ? ” 

“ If you desire it, and will return the favor.” 

He sat down to the instrument and in a masterly 
manner ran his fihg'ers over the ke3's, then glided into 
a march from Mendelssohn. He was a master per- 
foT’iner and knew it, but he was not prepared for the 
transformation that greeted his e3'es when he finished. 
Stella McMurra3’^ was standing b3'^ him, and her feat- 
ures, that before he had thought plain, beamed with 
surprise and admiration, her e3’es beautiful in the, ex- 
pression of pleasure that shone from them as she raised 
them to his face. She had not spoken a word, when 
he said, 

“ Wh3’, Miss McMurra3’^, what a fascination music 
possesses for you ! I had no idea you had such a pas- 
sion for it.” 

“ Wlio could help being fascinated b3’- such music as 
that ? ” she answered." 

“Thank .von,” he replied. “I regard that as the 
highest compliment. Miss McMurra3^, that 1113’- musical 
efforts ever received.” 

“ Has no one ever told 3^11 so before ? ” 

“ Words intended to convey the same meaning as 
3'ours have been spoken to me man3" times, but the ex- 
pression on your face flatters me more than your 
words.” 

“ Are you fond of music? ” 

“Very ? ” 


18 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


“ Then how grateful you ought to he for the great 
gift you possess ! ” 

“ I am grateful for my capabilities, but a fellow is 
so apt to think he would appreciate other people’s tal- 
ents if he had them, and undervalue his own.” 

“ It is not right, though. Every gift that we pos- 
sess was given us for a purpose, and it is our duty to 
try to turn it to a good account. 

“ Miss McMurray will you sit here and play some- 
thing for me?” 

“ How can you ask such a thing ? But I will do the 
best I can, Mr. Elton,” she said, as she accepted the 
proffered seat. “ Mind, I have not the slightest idea 
of entertaining jmu, but I hope I will not amuse you.” 

He rose from the music stool and stood leaning 
against the organ in a lazily graceful manner, while 
she played one of her exercises. 

“You did it well. Miss McMurray,” he said, when 
she had finished. “That w^as not an easy lesson. 
Now, I have a proposition to make. Will you allow 
me to instruct you as much as I am able, during my 
stay here ? ” 

“Allow you? Whj’’, Mr. Elton, it would give me 
the greatest pleasure ; but I could not think of so en- 
croaching upon your time. You came here to enjoy 
yourself.” 

“ Yes, and I expect to. And if you will agree to my 
proposition, I will consider it one of the most fruitful 
sources of enjoyment that I have.” 

“Indeed, you are vei'y, very kind, Mr. Elton, to 
offer it, but I cannot accept your pi’oposition just as it 
stands. May I offer an amendment ? ” 

“ Certainly.” 

“Then I will receive your instructions, gladly', if you 
will allow me to compensate you.” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


19 


Well, I will. Shall I state the terms now ? ” 

If you please,’^ as though a burden was lifted from 
her mind. 

Then let us be friends — the best of friends. Let me 
regard j^ou as a sister. I have none.” 

Her face darkened again. That will be no equiva- 
lent whatever. We could be friends anyways.” 

You had only my interest in view when you offered 
to repa^^ me,” he said, in his own peculiarl^^ pleasant 
voice, ‘^and now when I state the terms yoa are not 
satistied. Come, let us consider the matter settled. 
Every afternoon at two o’clock, remember, is the hour.” 

Just at this juncture Mr. Todhunter sauntered into 
the room, immaculate in clean linen, and his hair 
smoothl3^ parted in the middle. 

‘^Oh! ah!” he exclaimed, assuming an attitude. 

Beg pardon ! Didn’t know that you were alone.” 

Mr. Elton glanced mischievously at Stella, and an- 
swered, ^^No need of an apolog3^, sir; neither of us 
was alone.” 

‘‘The soft strains of jmur music drew me hither, 
Sliss McMurrajs” Mr. Todhunter said, in a voice that 
affected to be verj" gentle. “Would I be trespassing 
on youv kindness were I to plead for one more piece ? ” 

“The female character is very susceptible to en- 
treaty,” said Mr. Elton, twisting his moustache to hide 
tlie lurking smile. “ I am sure she will gratify .you.” 

Stella was keenl}^ alive to the ridiculousness of her 
position, but knowing that a moment’s hesitation only 
made matters worse, she turned over her music, se- 
lected a pretty accompaniment, and played and sang. 

“ How exquisite ! How beautiful 1 ” Mr. Todhunter 
exclaimed, when she had finished. “ What sweet 
thoughts such melody" produces I ” 

Mr. Elton here made a movement as if to leave the 


20 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


room, but Stella looked up at him as much as to say : 
“ Oh, please don’t ! ” He understood it, and, dropping 
into tlie nearest chair, said : “ Yes, Mr. Todhunter, it 

does, without the slightest shadow of a doubt,” 

As soon as ijoliteness would allow, she excused her- 
self and left the room. 

Stella McMurray and Harry Elton became at once 
the best of friends. There was nothing in his honest, 
open countenance to cause her to hesitate in giving 
him her friendship, and he admired her from the first, 
for her originality and frankness, her quiet dignity of 
manner and her sweetness of disposition. In this quiet, 
homelike place they were naturally thrown much to- 
gether, for very want of a wider range of companion- 
ship. It was an every-day occurrence to see the two 
sauntering carelessly thi’ough the orchard, evidentl^'^ 
intent upon nothing but a lively chat, but actually 
searching for apples ; but when the mother wished to 
economize time, she endeavored to send them one at a 
time. So their friendship for each other strengthened 
as the long Summer days wore on ; and thej' shelled 
peas together, and together pared the early harvest 
apples, read and sang together, and the music lessons 
went on with unvarying regulax'ity. 


CHAPTER III. 

The little church near Waverley Hall was crowded, 
although the afternoon was very warm. The minister 
was not tiresome. He preached a short, practical ser- 
mon, so that the cong-regation, instead of feeling 
weary, were instructed and edified, despite the intense 
heat and continual waving of fans. Mr. McMurray, a 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


21 


strict chui’ch-goer himself, made provision not only for 
his own family to attend church, but also “the 
stranger that was within his gates.” Stella McMur- 
ray looked very pretty that afternoon in her white 
Swiss muslin, relieved bj' a knot of blue ribbon here 
and there, her pretty curls fastened back by a ribbon 
of the same hue, and surmounted by a jaunty white 
hat. 

“ Stella,” said Harry Elton, as she sprang into the 
buggy w’ith him after service, “ you look as pretty as 
a picture and as cool and refreshing as if the thermom- 
eter didn’t stand at ninety degrees in the shade.” 

“ Thank you ; I am sorry I cannot return the com- 
pliment.” 

“ The deuce.” 

“ Oh, Harry, don’t use such words. They are alto- 
gether superfluous, and, pardon me, ungentlemanly, 
too.” 

“ Well, if this isn’t consistency, then I never met with 
it. You throw a fellow’s natural defects in his face by 
bluntly telling him he’s ugly, then if he happens to use 
an expletive that doesn’t occur in the Bible while he’s 
smarting under the sore, you exclaim, ‘Oh, Harry, 
don’t,’ in the most provoking manner possible.” 

“ You misunderstood me, sir,” she replied, “ my re- 
mark referred only to the latter part of yours. To be 
frank with you, you look as though there were no fans 
in the world.” 

“Ah! beg pardon,” as Tod says: “as I specially 
meant for you to hear the first part of my speech, I 
overlooked the balance and supposed you did, too.” 

“The American predeliction for abbreviating is 
strong in you, Harry. Why do you not give the gen- 
tleman the benefit of his full name ? ” 


22 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


“ Because it’s saying so much to get at a very small 
itlsa. 

“ How sarcastic you are. Am I to infer that you 
call me ‘ Stel’ sometimes, for the same reason ?” 

“ No.” 

“ Then what am I to understand ? ” 

“ Simply this. The abbreviation that I use some- 
times, instead of saying Mr. St. George Todhunter, 
fully covers the character and soul of the individual 
named, both of which are excessively diminutive, be- 
sides leaving me more time for the discussion of 
weightier subjects. Is my explanation satisfactory ? ” 

‘ ‘ Not altogether.” 

By this time they were nearing the homestead, the 
rest of the party having gone in advance of them. 

“ Who is that gentleman standing on the porch with 
Brother George ? ” she inquired. 

“ I believe your brother introduced him as Mr. Pres- 
ton.” 

“ Oh, yes. I should hardly have known him again.” 

“ You have known him, then ?” 

“ Yes, some years ago. I was quite a child when he 
went away to college.” Her brother came forward 
and introduced them, as she came upon the porch. 

“You have changed so entireh^ Mr. Preston,” she 
said, after they had exchanged salutations, “ that I 
did not recognize you at all.” 

“ It is useless for me to say that time has worked in 
the same mysterious manner with you. Miss Stella,” 
he replied . 

After a few such commonplace remai'ks, she passed 
through into the house. After tea, lilr. Elton sat 
down to the organ and played, and Stella sang with 
him ; her sweet, clear voice mingling well with his 
strong basso. With music and conversation, the 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


23 


evening’ passed away very swiftly. Before he took his 
leave, he had promised to come again and be sociable 
as in the olden time. The next daj", when writing to 
Philip Martin, in accordance with tlie promise given in 
the opening of our story, the following sentences' 
slipped from his pen : 

“I was astonished to notice yesterday, in church, 
the many pretty faces of young ladies who weie 
children when I went away. And I tell you, Phil, 
some of them have developed into something very at- 
tractive. I saw last night a pair of bi’igbt ej'es that 
will play havoc with somebody’s heart, some day.” 

About a month had passed since our friends arrived 
from the city, when, one morning at breakfast, Mrs. 
Morrison astonished them all by expressing her inten- 
tion of returning to the city. Mrs. McMur’ray, sur- 
prised at this sudden determination, inquired if she 
was not comfortably situated. “As comfortable,” 
she replied, “as it is in your power, I suppose, to 
make me, but I am nervous, and can never accustom 
myself to country people and their ways.” Harry 
Elton’s blue eyes flashed with indignation at this un- 
pardonable rudeness, but Mrs. McMurray replied in- 
dependently : “You are perfectly right in cultivating 
politeness, and going among refined people. We 
didn’t promise any accomplishments- Father’ll take 
you to the station whenever you^'e ready to go.” 
Poor Miss Ross! Every one at the table pitied hei-. 
She looked so keenly sensitive to her aunt’s unkind i-e- 
mark. They were sorry to say “good-by” to her, 
but no one grieved when Mrs. Morrison turned her 
face toward the city again from whence she came. And 
this characteristic remark slipped Mrs. McMurray’s 
tongue as the carriage rolled away bearing the retreat- 
ing party : “ I’ve humored that woman’s whims more’n 


24 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


I ever did an^^body else’s, but she’s been humored till 
humorin’ is no use to her.” 


CHAPTER IV. 

‘^CoME now, you young folks,” she said, almost in 
the same breath, here is a basket of apples, pare and 
core them nicely, and don’t be all the morning at it.” 

Now, when Mrs. McMurray gave a commission of 
this kind to the young folks,” it seldom included 
more than Stella and young Elton, but this time Mr. 
Todhunter happened to be present, and of course con- 
sidered himself bound to respond to the call. Mrs. 
McMurray brought the basket of rosy apples out on 
the porch and set it down before them. Harry Elton 
promptly produced his pocket-knife and went to the 
task assigned to him, and as promptly ate the first one 
he pared. Stella brought from the kitchen a large 
wooden bowl to receive the fruit, and sat down com- 
placently to work also. But Mr. Todhunter, who had 
been standing in an undecided, awkward waj% said : 

Miss Stella, will you furnish me with a knife and 
allow me to assist you ? ” 

^'It is not necessary, Mr- Todhunter, that you 
should do this,” she replied. Harry and I will soon 
finish.” 

Would 3^ou send me away, and deprive me of the 
pleasure of your company ? ” he asked, directing one 
of his most thrilling glances at her. 

When she looked up and met Harry Elton’s mis- 
chievous eyes, she decided the sooner the matter was 
settled the better. So she quickly produced the knife, 
and said, 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


25 


“ Of course, sir, if you really wish it, you can help 
us.” 

Then arose another difficulty. Mr. Todhunter 
looked first at his spotless white duck suit, then at the 
rude, painted bench on which they were sitting-, and 
Harr3' Elton, anticipating the look, brought out a 
large white linen handkerchief, and spreading it over 
the bench near where Stella sat, said, 

“ There, Mr. Tod, I think there’s no danger.” 

“ Thanks,” said the individual addressed, as he sat 
down upon it, not comprehending in the least the 
covert jest. 

“ I have oftentimes,” he continued, addressing 
Stella, “ derived great pleasure from pursuing some 
humble employment with a congenial companion.” 

“ I think I would be very unhappy if compelled to 
live among people who were not so,” she replied. 

“ Oh, 3’^es, I doubt it not. I ti’ust you will never be 
so unfortunate. I’m sure you will not,” with another 
excrutiating glance. 

“ You’re in for it now, Stel,” Hariy whispered under 
his breath, then said aloud, 

“ I’m sure you can avert that danger, Mr. Tod.” 

“ Thanks, sir. I wish I were not such a prey to 
timidity. I am afraid I do not always appear in the 
light that I would wish. My disposition is naturally 
very retiring.” 

“ As for me, Mr. Todhunter,” Stella said, anxious 
to say something that would turn the tide of conver- 
sation, “ I look upon modesty as a crowning virtue in 
anyone.” 

“Do you ? Ah, it makes me happy to hear you say 
it.” 

Poor Stella inwardly wished that he would gratify 


26 WHICH SHALL IT BE? 

his disposition by retiring, but determined to make one 
more venture. 

“ It is more praiseworthy to cultivate virtue when 
we are not applauded for it than when we are. It is 
easy to do a popular thing.” 

“ I know of one whose approbation I would pi ize 
more than the applause of a multitude,” laying con- 
siderable stress on the “ one.” 

Stella turned quickly to Mr. Elton, whose presence 
Mr. Todhunter had almost ignored, and said, “ Harry, 
will you name those apple seeds for me?” as she 
placed four apple-seeds on the palm of her hand. 

“ Oh, yes, certainly.” He looked at them a mo- 
ment; then said, “Well, proceed.” 

She took one up and commenced the old rhj'me : 
“This one I’ll take, and never forsake.” 

“ That is the young chap that looked so wicked at 
me last Sunday. What did you say his name is ? 
Dean!” 

“ I suppose so. This is my heart’s desire.” 

“ Mr. Preston.” 

“ This one I pi'ize beyond the skies.” 

“ Oh, that’s Tod. I thought it would be so.” 

Stella looked at her fi-iend reprovingly when he said 
this. She thought she had ruled Mr. Todhunter out 
of the question when she commenced this little game, 
but Harry’s mischief had introduced him just where 
she did not want him. 

“ And this I’ll throw in the fire ! ” 

‘ ‘ Your humble servant. Just my luck.” 

“ It was all wrong.” 

“ Whj^ Miss Stella, I thought it worked off beau- 
tifully,” said Mr. Todhunter. “ Fortunes are hidden 
in games of chance sometimes.” 

“ This was not a game of chance,” she replied. 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


27 


“ Hany has the happy faculty of being- able to put 
any face on affairs he ma}'^ choose.” 

“ I’d rather act in the capacity of scapegoat to you 
than be banished entii-elj',” said the gentleman alluded 
to, in a very meek tone of voice. 

Mrs. Elton appeared on the scene just at this mo- 
ment, and tapping her son on the cheek with her fan, 
said : “ Isn’t he a sad fellow ? Don’t you get tired of 
his teasing, Stella ? ” all the time regarding him with 
a look that spoke volumes in his favor. 

“ Oh, no ma’am,” she replied, “ I do not mind it at 
all, while he makes himself so useful.” 

“Beautiful example of disintei'ested regard,” said 
Harry. “ But see here, mother mine,” as he drew the 
fat, good-natured-looking lady down upon his knee, 
“ how would you like a drive this beautiful morn- 
ing?” 

“ Very much, sir, if it will inconvenience no one.” 

“ George kindly offered me the use of his horse and 
bugg}'. So run and get ready and look your pretti- 
est.” 

“ To be sure I will do that,” and off she went. 

Stella now disappeared within tlie kitchen with her 
bowl of apples all read^’- for use, and Harry went to 
the barn to harness up the horse. 

“ Thank you, Mr. Todhunter, for your assistance,” 
said Stella, turning toward him. “ Will you walk in 
the parlor now, if you please, and find more entertain- 
ing emplo 3 nnent ? ” 

“ May I have ^mur company there also ? ” he asked, 
accompany ing his words with a smile intended to bo 
very winning. 

“ Thank you, but I must assist mother this morning. 
There is a great deal to do.” 

“WeU, 1 suppose I must submit,” and the disap- 


28 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


pointed swain took himself off to the parlor, and 
Stella, haring her plump white arms to the elbow, was 
soon deep in the mysteries of breadmaking, while her 
thoughts were busy with Mr. Todhunter. She very 
much disliked his insinuating conversation, yet pitied 
more than she disliked him. She knew him to be a 
man of very shallow intellect, and blushed for him 
when he unconsciously made himself the butt of ridi- 
cule. Yet she could not make him sensible of this 
fact, without wounding his* feelings, and this she in- 
stinctively shrank from doing. 

While she was thus emplo^^ed Harry Elton came in, 
and in his merry, bantering way said: I declare, 
Stella, I never saw you appear to better advantage in 
my life. I’m sure that if Tod would onl3^ see you now, 
these serious impressions that have been forming 
within his inmost soul since he came here, would be 
sensibly deepened. Guess I’ll call him.” 

Laughing, he moved toward the door, while Stella 
begged, Oh, please donT, Harry ! I shall certainly 
be angry with you if you do.” But when she encoun- 
tered his gay, mischievous expression, she laughed 
too, in very spite of herself. 

Mrs. Elton here came in, all equipped for the ride, 
and noticing Stella’s blank expression, said, Harry, 
you have been teasing again,” And Stella said, 
intend to take him seriously to task about something 
when he comes back.’^ 

What have I done now ? ” He endeavored to look 
very serious, but it was a sad failure. 

^^Just like him,” said his mother, ^^he is always 
getting into scrapes.” 


WHICH SHALL IT BI ? 


29 


CHAPTER V. 

Nina Hudson was an orphan. Her father was Mrs. 
Preston^s brother, and her mother a native of Harris- 
bur^h. Her father, a pedagog'ue by profession, taught 

a private school in H , for some years, and here 

became acquainted with Miss Fanny Lovejoy, who 
afterwards became his wife. Like maii}^ other steady, 
quiet, honest, intelligent men, Mr. Hudson never accu- 
mulated anything. If he made but little, it was suffi- 
cient for thei.r expenses ; and if he realized more, there 
was no overplus at the end of the year. Thus they 
lived on, within their income, but never saving any- 
thing therefrom. And the consequence was, that when 
Nina, at the tender age of three years, was bereft of 
both her parents, there had been no provision made for 
her support. But, fortunately for her, a maiden sister 
of her mother’s. Miss Adeline Lovejoy, adopted the 
little orphan, and cared for her with the tender est solici- 
tude. She, too, had been thrown on her own resources 
for a livelihood, but unlike her brother-in-law, she 
always managed to set aside a right good sum eveiy 
year for that rainy day ” that everyone experiences 
some time in life. So all of the little orphan’s needs 
were met and supplied by the kind-hearted aunt, who 
loved her only sister’s only child devotedly. But Miss 
Lovejoy was not a woman to pamper and humor the 
whims of a child, and thereby belittle its understanding. 
She was an intelligent, Christian woman ; and, in the 
first place, she endeavored, and with signal success, 
too, to inculcate into the youthful mind 6f her charge, 
religious principles ; then she gave her healthful ideas 
of industry, independence and self-support. Now, there 
was one event in the history of this aunt of Nina’s 


30 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


which it may be as well to mention right here. ‘‘ She 
had had a lover once/’ as the song goes, who played 
her false. She was young, ardent, aifectionate, and 
loved him dearly. He was handsome, wealthy, intel- 
lectual and villainous ; and when he grew tired of his 
pastime, and trod on the heart that loved him so 
fondl}^, the effect on her was to sour and embitter her 
heart toward all mankind for all time. She was busy 
in good works, though — always busy. She was the 
tried and true friend of the friendless, the poor, or the 
sick ; but she shook her head sagel}" at the idea of 
truth and constancy in man, and retired within herself 
for the happiness she had missed elsewhere. She 
might have married after this. Very likely there were 
others who would have appreciated her; but she reso- 
lutely kept all men aloof, and persistently avoided 
their company as much as possible. The tenderest, 
most sacred feelings of her nature had been to^^ed 
with, then thrown aside ; and whether or not another 
hand could have awakened the sweet, still chords to 
music, certain it is she never allowed any one to make 
the experiment. Consequentlj^, Nina was seldom 
thrown into the company of anyone but her aunt, her 
schoolmates and a few dear female friends until she 
reached her thirteenth year, when her aunt thought 
fit to send her into another State, to a seminary of 
good standing, where young ladies were carefully^ and 
thoroughly educated. At this age, her principles 
were well formed, and she was, certainly, a very cred- 
itable representative of her aunt’s skill in training. 
She was a loving, affectionate child, conscientious and 
self-sacrificing, modest and unassuming, yet self-pos- 
sessed in manner, sound in principle, and, if thrown in 
the company of gentlemen, very retiring' and unob- 
trusive, evidently regarding them as something use- 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


31 


fill sometimes, if kept at a proper distance, but ex- 
tremel3" dang-erous upon a nearer approach. So much 
for earl}" training. And when a child has reached this 
age the balance of its lifetime is not sufficient to alter 
its principles, be the}" good or bad. 

So Nina Hudson made plenty of stanch friends, 
through her kindness and amiability, during the six 
3^ears of her school-life, and when, at the age of eigh- 
teen she returned to her aunt and her native place, 
she came a pious, thoroughty educated and very ac- 
complished woman ; fine-looking though not pretty ; 
possessing one of those attractive faces, which, when 
3"ou look at it once, you cannot define the motive, j^et 
3"ou wish to look again. And Miss Adeline Lovejoy 
realized her brightest anticipations in the little orphan, 
who, through sorrow, had fallen to her charge ; and 
she gathered her to her lonely heart with as much af- 
fection as if she had been her very own. It was dur- 
ing the summer subsequent to her return from school 
that she came to visit her aunt, Mrs. Preston. Stella 
McMurraj" had not seen her since they were children, 
and was very anxious to renew their acquaintance. 
So she and Mr. Elton walked over to Mr. Preston’s. 
Stella had invited Mr. Todhunter to go, but he was so 
unfortunate as to have a swollen lip, and was scarcely 
presentable. This is how it happened : He was leis- 
urely strolling over the fields, that morning, Avhen he, 
unexpectedty, of course, came upon one of those hidden 
snares which bright, green fields often hold — a bee’s 
nest in a tuft of grass. And before he could make his 
exit and apologize (and he did the former as speedilj^ 
as possible, you ma}^ believe), one of the ill-used famil}" 
had stung him on the lip. Poor fellow ! he was just 
beginning to like the countiw a little, and now it was 
just as full of hardships and difficulties as ever. And 


32 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


when he came into the house and related his troubles, 
Harry Elton, instead of sympathizing with him, as he 
might have done, laughed heartily and said, 

Never mind, Tod, I wouldn’t worry over it. The 
experience will be worth a great deal to you, and the 
experimental knowledge you now have of the way 
those insects live. Hereafter take your cane and pros- 
pect a little before you step. It is the only safe wa}' 
to do in the country.” 

And Mr. Todhunter evidently thought it was, for he 
looked very woe-begone as he took the soda and water 
from Mrs. McMurray’s hand and walked upstairs. 
And that was the reason he missed the tea party. 
About a score of young people were assembled in the 
pleasant parlor at Mrs. Preston’s, and all seemed to be 
enjoying themselves. They were grouped about the 
room in twos and fours, each group intent on their 
own subject of conversation. It fell to Mr. Elton’s lot 
to entertain Miss Hudson, and truly it seemed to be a 
pleasant dut3^, and in justice to him, we must add, she 
was very agreeablj^ entertained. There were no em- 
barrassing pauses in the conversation, for Mr. Elton 
talked as he did everything else, naturall3^ In the 
meantime what has become of Stella ? Morgan Pres- 
ton and she are standing near the window looking out 
upon the lawn as it lay bathed in the moonlight. 

Let us walk out on the porch,” he said, and I will 
show you mj^ beautiful constellation. I call it mine 
because it looks in at my window so kindlj" when I’m 
sitting there humoring my moods. ” He led her to the 
end of the porch, and pointed through an opening in 
the trees to the Pleiades. 

Could there be anything more beautiful?” was 
her animated exclamation. How the}" sparkle and 
flash as they peep down at us through the trees. And 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


33 


Liie m^'riads of stars, how I’d love to know them all 
by name. How beautiful it all is, both earth and 
sky.” 

“ Now look in this direction. See those clusters of 
trees dotting the landscape here and there, and those 
white farmhouses, with their windows glistening and 
glinting in the moonlight.” 

“ Oh, if I were an artist I’d paint a wonderful pic- 
ture, and immortalize myself, surely.” Then, in a 
more serious tone, “can you not imagine Dr. Young 
gazing on just such a scene as this when he wrote : 

‘ How is night’s sable mantle labored o’er, 

How richly wrought with attributes divine.’ ” . 

“Yes, and another thought comes with it. Many 
of us look and admire and appreciate as much prob- 
ably as he, yet no one ever produced a second ‘ Night 
Thoughts.’ We, individually, are like tho.se stars in 
one respect. Miss Stella. We each have our separate 
sphere, and a certain something to do, but we must 
not try to operate outside of our natural orbit.” 

“That sounds very plausible; but I have seen those 
who I thought had mistaken their calling decidedly.” 

“ Our calling ; that is, whatever we are best fitted 
to perform.” 

“I do not agree with you. It is to ‘ do the duty 
that lies nearest thee,’ as some writer has said, 
whether we are entirelj'^ fitted for it or not.” 

“ And go through life making all manner of mis- 
takes,” he laughingly replied. 

“No, that doesn’t always follow. We can learn if 
we try, and the Master who assigns us our places will 
fit us to do his bidding. And on the other hand, we 
are competent sometimes to do greater things than 
our dut}^ requires of us.” 


u 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


Would you give up the greater, then, to perforni 
the lesser work ? ” 

‘‘Undoubtedly we should, if duty points to the 
lesser/’ 

“ Well, we will not follow up this discussion,” he 
said, “but come, sit here while I tell you some of my 
plans for the future.” 

They sat down on a rustic sofa at the end of the 
porch, and he surprised her by the announcement that 
he was about completing a course of study in physic. 
“ I knew I would astonish 3mu,” he said, with boyish 
eagerness, “but this is my darling profession, and I 
am sure there is no mistake. At odd hours I have 
been reading and studying treatises on the subject for 
years. I am fully awake to the importance of the 
step. It is one that I would not take without long and 
mature deliberation.” 

“I sincerely wish that you may succeed,” she re- 
plied, “but you have chosen a science that can only 
be mastered hy severe study and close application.” 

“ And you may add, during a life of practice.” 

“Yes, on that alone depends success ; and that is 
what I wish for you most heartil3^” 

“ Thank you. I do not know when Professor S. will 
pronounce me readj^ for my coiftact with the world. I 
shall leave the question entirely with him.” 

After a little further conversation upon the subject 
so near his heart, Mr. Preston consulted his watch and 
found that it had been an hour since they left the par- 
lor. 

“ An hour ! ” She echoed his words in surprise. 

“ Yes. Will you allow me to take you in now, and 
promise to try to reinstate me in Mr. Elton’s good 
graces ? ” 

“ Reinstate you ! Have you fallen ? ” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


35 


‘‘lam afraid so.” 

“How?” 

“ Bj keeping you away so long.” 

“ If that is your only offense, I guess he’ll forgive 
you.” 

On entering the room she went directly to where 
Mr. Elton sat, and said pleasantly : 

“ Harry, I dislike monopolies. You have had un- 
disputed possession of Nina’s company since tea. Is 
that fair ? ” 

“ I have only been trying feebly to compensate for 
your absence,” he replied. 

“And Stella, I am sure you do not look as though 
t he time had dragged heavily with you,” Miss Hud- 
son remarked dryly. 

“Nor has it,” was the quick rejoinder. “ But now 
I demand a change. Jennie Loyd, come here, please.” 

A pretty little dark-haired girl arose and came for- 
ward obediently and said “ Here am I.” 

“I want you to entertain Mr. Elton while I talk to 
Nina.” 

“Well,” she said, looking at him demurely, “ what 
am I expected to do ? ” 

As he rose to hand her a chair, he replied laugh- 
ingly, “ I believe thei’e is no prescribed line of action. 
Miss Loyd. I hope you will not find your task a 
severe one.” 

This provoked a general laugh, and in a little while, 
thanks to the good management of a few, conversa- 
tion became more general, and lively pleasantries were 
exchanged quite freely. When the hour came for sepa- 
rating, and young Elton and Stella were on their way 
home, she asked him quite naturally : “ How did you 
enjoy the company ? ” 

“Very much indeed,” was the reply. “Ever so 


86 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


much more than those where we are expected to play 
the exquisite, talk nonsense, dance all night and hore 
ourselves generally.’’ 

You do not attend such parties, do you, Harry ? ” 

To be sure I do. Why not ? ” 

You have answered 3'Our own question. Because 
it is wrong.” 

Wrong ? In what respect, pray ? ” 

In many respects. You know as well as I, and it 
is not worth my while to try to enumerate them. 
Your own admission a moment ago was very con- 
demnatoiy. Does ^ talking nonsense and dancing all 
night ’ tend to improve one’s moral, mental or physi- 
cal condition ? ” 

Oh, never mind, Stella, it’s pastime anywa.y. Be- 
sides, Avhat does a dear, little, unsophisticated girl like 
you know about it ? ” 

Enough to convince me that what I say is true. 
We were not placed here merely to find pastime. We 
are responsible beings with an immortal destiny to be 
shapen out and determined in a few, brief transitory 
years, and we cannot afford to fritter away our time 
with those employments that necessarily lead us 
farther away from God, and unfit our minds for 
serious and profitable reflections.” 

She paused, but he made no reply. After a mo- 
ment she asked: Harry, would you advise me, if 
I could, to follow up the life that those ladies lead 
who are habitual ball-goers ? ” 

No,” he said, with emphasis, ^^you are a thousand 
times more sensible, better, purer and happier than 
they.” 

Then you ought not to countenance such places, 
or visit them. You are conscious, all the time, that 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


37 


your conduct is sinful. Why do you do it when you 
know you are doing wrong ? 

“ How am I to help it ? It’s a common thing in our 
set.” 

“Never mind your 'set.’ Do what you think is 
right, individually.” 

“Confound it all, I wish I could,” he said, impa- 
tiently. 

“ Oh, don’t say it that way,” in a subdued voice. 

“Then why don’t you talk of something else, in- 
stead of holding a fellow at bay, this way ? ” 

“Because I want to see your life dedicated to a 
nobler purpose. By giving God your heart you may 
make it a career of usefulness, by withholding it, you 
prostitute all His glorious gifts to a miserable purpose 
and make of life a desperate failure. Which will you 
choose ? ” 

He did not answer for a mornent, then he said very 
seriously: “Stella, it is no easy matter to break off 
from doing a thing that one has been practicing for 
twenty-eight years. If my parents— dear, kind, indul- 
gent souls— had forbidden it in the outset, and been a 
little more strict — but pshaw ! I don’t know that it 
makes any difference after all.” 

“Harry, answer me candidly, do you really enjoy 
that kind of life ? ” 

“ Enjoy it ! No. I have been sick and tired of it 
for years.” 

“Then it will require no sacrifice on your part to 
give it up. Strange that you have'not done so. Why 
persist in doing that which not onl}'’ brings you no 
pleasure, but also brings the disapproval of your con- 
science ? ” 

“ Because other people expect me to.” 

“ That’s a flimsy reason.” 


38 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


It’s the best I havjB on hand.” Spoken with as- 
sumed jocularity. 

^ Other people’ will not take the burden off you 
when you come to render your account for years of 
wasted life,” very seriously. 

‘^1 wish they could. It would save me a great deal 
of thinking.” 

'"Well, Harry, it’s your own fault. Why not be a 
man, instead of a tool in the hands of other people ? 
It is your imperative duty to give up those practices 
that jmu know are evil, and that your better nature is 
fighting against.” 

"That would be easy enough, Stella, if I were in a 
position to do it. You live in a quiet place, where 
people are generally sensible, moral and humane ; I, 
in a crowded city, where temptations meet one at 
every crossing, and where every man is for himself, 
and if they jostle one out of existence, or into per- 
dition, it’s nothing as long as it’s customary, or comes 
in the way of business.” 

" Oh, Harry ! if you onl^^ enjoyed religion, these 
obstacles that seem so formidable to you now, would 
be as nothing.” 

"If I did ! But I do not, Stella.” There was more 
earnestness in his voice when he said this than Stella 
had expected, but she had the tact to appear not to 
notice it, as they had now reached home, and she 
thought it best not to pursue the subject any further 
at this time. So she simply said, 

" I am glad yo\f have enjoyed the evening, Hariy. 
Here is your light, and I will bid you good-night.” 

" Good night, Stella, littl^ sister.” 

Ascending to her room, she sat down by her window 
and Avatched the moonlight flickering in and out 
among the trees. And as she sat there meditating, 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


39 


she realized what she had never done before — that 
she was a woman, and no longer a child — a woman 
with a woman’s influence. She had never thought 
of it before, never dreamed that she might in- 
fluence anyone for good or evil. She had always 
considered herself a child, to be guided by others, 
but never presuming to guide another. She under- 
stood young Elton’s nature well, and to-night she 
was convinced that his gaiety and trifling was 
only surface work ; that underlying all his frivolity 
was a noble soul and a mind that understood and 
entertained serious forebodings of the life to conie. 
"Young as she was, she saw in him the material for a 
grand and useful manhood, but his mind wanted 
instruction, guidance and gentle dealing. She fell on 
her knees in the bright summer moonlight, and while 
the cool breezes fanned her flushed face and played 
with her glossy hair she lifted up to heaven as earnest 
an appeal as ever went up from a newly-awakened 
and contrite heart. The tears oozed through her 
slender Angers, as with her hands pressed to her face 
she prayed : Oh, Father, I am all unworthy to be 
called Thy child, but from the depths of my con- 
science-stricken heart I pray Thee help me to be more 
watchful and prayerful, more consistent and patient, 
in every way more Christ-like ! Help me to save him, 
my friend. Give me this thing to do. Help me so to 
live that my hitherto useless life may hereafter exert 
over him an influence for good, and Thy great name 
shall evermore be praised ! ” She rose from her knees, 
pushed the wavy, clinging hair from her forehead, and 
stood leaning against the casement in deep and silent 
meditation. 

Mr. Elton had not yet retired, for the perfume of his 
cigar still came floating in at her window. When the 


40 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


clock chimed out the hour of midnight, with her heart 
full of noble resolves, she retired to her rest. And 
young Elton, enjoying his fragrant Havana, had to 
acknowledge to himself that Stella’s words of reproof, 
given in crude and simple language, had made a 
deeper impression on his mind than he would be 
willing for her to know. And these words would come 
up in spite of him : Why not be a man, instead of a 
tool in the hands of others, and do what you know is 
right ? ” With an impatient movement he tossed the 
stump of his cigar out of the window and muttered 
under his breath : Why not, sure enough ! I’m free 
to confess that what she says is true, but for a fellow 
of my standing, who never did a commendable thing 
in his life, it’s an ugly subject for contemplation.” 
And when he had finished this brief soliloquy, he, too, 
retired to rest. 


CHAPTER VI. 

Years ago, there lived in the McMurray household, 
a tried and trusty servant, who, having charge of t-he 
children, was justly regarded as holding a responsible 
position. When the children grew away from her 
care, and she became too enfeebled for other work, 
Mr. McMurray generously donated to Aunt Polly,” 
as she was called, a small house for her own use. 
Here she lived alone with her daughter, and felt as 
independent as ^Hhe folks in the big house.” The 
daughter’s earnings, supplemented by Mr. McMur- 
ray’s kindness, kept them from want. 

On the evening of the day following the events re- 
corded in the last chapter, Stella suddenly remembered 
the fact that she had not seen Aunt Polly for several 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


41 


weeks. So she hurriedly gathered a few delicacies 
into a basket, and with it on her arm, started down 
the footpath which led to the rude dwelling. As she 
a.pproached it, she saw in the open doorway the old 
woman, rocking to and fro, and crooning to herself 
an old African melody : 

“ Nobody knows de trouble, I see, 

Nobody but Jesus ; 

No one knows but God an’ me, 

Nobody but Jesus.” 

Good evening, Auntie,” Stella said, as she came 
in quietly, and dropped into the nearest chair. Sing- 
ing about your troubles, are you ? ” 

^^Laws a-massy, chile, ye start me. No, hone^’^, I 
wasn’t thinkin’ so much ’bout de trouble, as dat God 
knows it.” 

Yes, He knows it to be sure, auntie, and yet per- 
mits you to suffer it. How about that ? ” 

Why, bress you, chile, bring it down to fine p’hits, 
an’ I ain’t got no trouble. Why, what could de Lawd 
do fur me dat He hain’t done ? Jes’ look at dis yere 
house an’ dat tater patch, all mine. ’Nuff to eat an’ 
to wear’ an’ I jes’ a settin’ yere rockin’ myself, an’ 
finkin’ about dat house He’s got fur me up yander. 
I’se really ’sprised at myself fur singin’ sech a sacre- 
ligious fing.” 

Stella’s musical voice rang out in laughter at 
Auntie’s earnest philosophy, and she said, Truly, I 
haven’t seen such a picture of contentment since I saw 
you last. Why don’t you scold me for neglecting 3 "Ou 
so long ? 1 deserve it richly.” 

Honey, I ain’t got no time for scoldin’. Life’s too 
short fur dat, an’ I’se too glad to see ye. Laws a 
massy, I ain’t got no right to complain. Ef you 


42 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


wusn't a mighty good chile you’d neber ’member, no- 
how.” 

Stella answered again laughingly, Thank you, 
Auntie; but, indeed, I think I would be a very bad 
child if I failed to remember you kindly. Now, here 
is something I brought for your supper,” uncovering 
her basket and disclosing its contents. 

Lawd bress you honey. Now, wouldn’t I be an 
ongrateful critter ef I didn’t t’ank de good Master 
fur puttin’ it into your heart to be so good to 
me ? I ain’t got no right to ’spect it. It’s jes’ pure, 
onmarited blessin’s. All day I’se been longin’ fur 
somefin’ from de ole house, but I didn’t know de Lawd 
was takin’ any ’count ob it.” 

^^Now, Auntie, do you really think that because 
God knew that you Avanted these things He impressed 
me to bring them ? ” 

Sartinl^^, honey. I believes jes’ ’zactly dat. He 
condescends to notice a poor old black fing like me. 
An’ while He keeps all dem stars out dere a sAvingin’ 
round in dere places — an’ I did hear somebody say 
once somefin’ ’bout dis yarth movin’ too, but laws, I 
don’ believe no sich nonsense as dat — yet He considers 
my wants, an’ dat’s jes’ why 3mu brung dem nice 
things to me.” 

I more than half believe ^mu, Auntie. But since 
you have called my attention to the stars, I am re- 
minded that I must not t^rry much longer. Shall I 
read something to 3^011 before I go ? ” 

Please do, honey. It seems like de longest Avhile 
sence I heard an3^bod3^ read dat bressed Book.” 

In a tone of self-condemnation Stella replied, Oh, 
Auntie, I’m so sorr3^ that I have neglected .you so. It 
certainl3^ must not occur again.” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


43 


^^’Scuse me, honey. I wan’t complainin’. Ye’re 
the sweetest chile’ in the wurld. Read on.” 

She turned to the eighth chapter of Romans, but 
before she had finished the second verse, Aunt Polly 
interrupted her with, ^^Dat’s it, ‘no condemnation.’ 
Go on, now, honey.” 

She read it through, slowly and feelingly, and when 
she laid aside the book Auntie was weeping freely. 

“ Why do you cry. Auntie ? Isn’t it comforting ? ” 

“ Oh, yes, honey. It’s comfortin’. But dere’s so 
many blessin’s promised dere to de faithful, dat I can’t 
hardly believe dey’s for me too, an’ all I’se got to do 
is to trust Him. Why it says nuthin’ shall separate us 
from de love o’ Christ — distress nor poverty nor 
nuthin’. An’ jes’ see how He takes care ob me and 
s’plies all m^^ needs. An’ I never done nuthin’ only 
cling to his bressed feet.” 

Solemnly Stella answered, ‘f Auntie, I wish you 
would teach me your faith.” 

“ I think 3"e’s a learn in’ it honey, from a better 
Teacher ner me. Are ye goin’ ? ” 

“ Yes; it’s getting late ; but I’ll come soon again.” 

‘‘ Do, Miss Stella.” 

And with a pleasant “ Good-bye ” she started down 
the narrow footpath leading toward home. 

Directlj^ in her path was a favorite resort of Stella’s 
where she often came to read and reflect. A deep 
ravine, through which ran a noisy, laughing brooklet 
and stretching almost from bank to bank, a broad, 
mossy rock, where on its flinty side had been worn, by 
some strange process of nature, a rude though not 
uncomfortable seat. On one bank of the little stream- 
let rose a huge pile of rocks, its top and jagged sides 
covered with a thick growth of ferns and underbrush ; 
on the other towered a hill overgrown with large 


ii 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


forest trees. Guarded by these two grim sentinels 
the busy brooklet went gurgling and splashing along 
over the imbedded rocks in which it had worn great 
hollows and ridges in its centuries of frolic and glee. 
But the girl, her mind too full of the practical, active 
duties of life, only stopped a few minutes this evening, 
threw a handful of pebbles into the stream, then hur- 
ried on to her home. 

Harry Elton met her in the doorway, with the greet- 
ing, Well, Miss Truant, pray where have you been ? 
You have just returned in time to prevent a tragedy. 
Tod was becoming quite alarmed, and all my powers 
of persuasion have been brought into action to prevent 
him from doing violence to himself.’^ 

Stella laughed merrily, as she replied, You are not 
exaggerating a bit, are you, Harry 

Is it customary. Miss Stella, for young ladies to 
wander out alone at this time of evening? ” said Mr. 
Todhunter, at hearing his name pronounced. 

Yes, sir ; quite customar^^ ” she replied ; ^^and, be- 
sides, I have been but a short distance from home.” 

Pardon me if I have been but too solicitous for 
3mur safety,” he answered, smiling sweetly toward her. 

Certainly",” was the reply, as with freez^ing dignity 
she glanced at Harry’s mirthful visage. But Mrs. 
Elton kindly came to her rescue by saying. 

Here, Stella, IVe opened the organ, and even 
drawn the stops. Come, you and Harry, and sing 
something inspiring and sweet, before we separate for 
the night.’^ 

Stella was really glad of the opportunity, but 
Harry whispered, as he walked with her toward the 
organ. 

Only apiece or two, Stel; then we’ll find a nice 
quiet corner for a chat.” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


45 


She gave him a quick, grateful glance, and answered. 
Very well, Harrj^/’ And the thought that came in- 
stantly into her mind was this, Oh ! if I can only say 
something to lead him into a better life/’ 

First they sang an earnest, soul-stirring hymn com- 
mencing, 

“We thank thee, Oh, Father.” 

Then with the broken language of the old colored 
woman still fresh in her mind, she turned to an an- 
them, Happy are they who keep his commandments, ’ 
and sang it with the same earnestness and feeling. 
But as soon as the last notes died away, young Elton 
drew her hand within his arm, and the two walked out 
on the piazza, sat down on the rustic bench in the 
moonlight, where they soon became oblivious to the 
fact that the other occupants of the room were leaving 
it one by one, until only her brother George remained, 
and he was evidently inclined to fall asleep over the 
evening papers. 

As soon as they were comfortably disposed — Stella 
and her companion— he, with his face turned toward 
her, his elbow resting on the baluster, his head on his 
hand, nonchalantly remarked, 

Another ordeal safely passed. I’m glad it’s over. ” 

Surprised, she asked, What do you mean, Harry ? ' 
Oh, those hilarious pieces ! There’s one more you 
ought to have sung in connection with them.” 

What’s that?” 

Well, it starts out with some such jocular excla- 
mation as this, ^ Hark from the tombs, a doleful sound.’ 
It would have been a charming companion piece for 
the others.” 

She answered reproachfully, 

Harry, I would not speak so lightly of sacred 
things, if I were you.” 


46 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


Oh, well, I won’t then, of course, if you don’t ap- 
prove of it. I wouldn’t have 3^011 ^ sot agin ’ me for 
all creation. But you’ll allow me to remark in pass- 
ing, that you have a rare faculty for inappropriate 
selections.” 

There was so much drollery in his bluntness that she 
laughed heartily before replying. 

Why, I think they are beautiful. One a hymn of 
thanksgiving that we ought to be always ready to 
render, and the other only a pretty wa^^ of repeating 
one of the sweetest promises in the Bible.” 

' ' I could sing them with great gusto in church, but 
they might have been dispensed with for this even- 
ing.” 


What would have been your selection, Harry ? ” 
Now, I’ll tell 3^ou. Tod sat back there with a face 
as long as a ramrod, and I especially desired to sing, 
for his benefit solely, ^Love’s Chidings.’ It has just 
as much sense in it as he has. You know the chorus 
comes in just as often as you choose to sing it. 


^ Hast thou no feeling, 
To see me kneeling, 
My ]ove/evealing 
Day after day ? ’ 


It would have been a sort of safet3^-valve, 3^11 know, 
and he’s beginning to need something of that sort. 
He’ll not keep his feelings pent up much longer. 
There’s going to be an explosion.” 

Stella did not laugh at his railler3% because she so 
much disliked Mr. Todhunter’s advances, and Harry 
Elton knew it. So she answered quite seriously, 

Harry, you know I wouldn’t sing it, and I’m dis- 
appointed in the conversation that you asked for.” 
Wh3’', Stel, what’s wrong witli it ? ^’ 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


47 


Everything*. I had hoped that you would talk 
seriously to me this evening. But you never do. 
Harry,. tell me the reason. Do I seem inconsistent, too 
trifling, too ignorant, or what? The fault must be 
mine.’^ 

He turned himself around on the bench, put both 
hands in his pockets, and gave a low, impatient 
whistle, as he said. 

No, it isn’t, Stel. You are as consistent as any old 
grandmother. A perfect jewel of consistency. But a 
man can’t be all the time talking seriouslj^ Too much 
strain on his nervous system.” - / 

Please tell me, Harry, when you held a serious 
conversation with me,” said Stella. 

I never could remember dates.” 

Well, right now, Harry, if I ask you. a personal 
question, will you frankly answer me ? ” 

He wheeled around again to his old position, and 
with an incorrigible expression on his face said, I 
will, certainl3^ Now, fire a wdiole broadside at me.” 

^^In all your merrj^ life did it ever occur to you that 
you are treating your best Friend, He in whose hand 
your breath is, with cruel ingratitude ? ” 

Certainly.’' And with a more thoughtful expres- 
sion of face he asked, You think I’m awfully wicked, 
don’t you, Stella ? ” 

I do not. But you would be infinitely better than 
you are, and happier, if you Avere a Christian.” 

No one knows that better than I.” 

Then, Harry, why not go to the Strong for strength. 
Give up your frivolous, empty life, and resolve to be a 
better man, God helping jmu.” 

He threw off all solemnity again and answered, Oh, 
well, I will some time. When I’m seventy-five I’ll be 
a consistent old church member, just like 3mu.” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


48 

Suppose you don’t live to that age ? 

Plenty do. In any case I couldn’t make a change 
now.” 

Trifling again. What made you speak that way 
when we were talking so seriously ? ” 

Why, its perfectly" reasonable, Stella. What sane 
man would begin a reformation equal to Luther’s at 
this hour of the night ? It’s a mighty big undertaking 
to revolutionize a fellow like me. Take a practical 
view of it now, and see if you don’t think I had better 
take daylight for the enterprise.*^ 

She saw it was not worth while to try to bring him 
back to the subject, so she did the best thing she could 
do, talked on, just to please him. And while they sat 
there a shadow fell across the floor, and Morgan Pres- 
ton ran up the steps and sat down upon the upper 
one. 

Good evening, friends,” he said, his handsome face 
beaming with rosy health and good nature. 

Stella quickly returned his salutation and offered 
him a chair, which he promptly refused, while Mr. 
Elton’s startled exclamation was : 

Heigho, Mr. Preston. Is it common for you to 
take these nocturnal rambles ? 

It is by no means wzcommon.” 

Your appearance was startingly sudden.’’ 

‘•Was it?” laughing. “I had business beyond 
here a little distance, and I preferred to walk in the 
cool of the evening rather than in the heat of the day. 
Returning I saw your friendly light and determined to 
use the place as a kind of ‘ Palace Beautiful.’ ” 

“ Very good,” young Elton replied. “ Now we will 
try to make 3^our call both pleasant and profitable. 
That is the way the damsels did in the ‘ Progress,’ 
isn’t it? ” 


V/HICH SHALL IT BE ? 


49 


Yes, I’ve no doubt I’ll be greatly improved ere I 
pass on.” 

They sat and talked pleasant nothings for a half 
hour or so. After inviting Elton to go fishing with him 
the next day, Mr. Preston bade them a polite good 
evening.” 

Immediately afterward Elton took himself off to his 
room, and Stella, too, retired to rest. And Elton, 
mischievous fellow that he was, at the very moment 
when Stella was thinking that there was great hope 
for his reform, in spite of his persistent trifling, was 
weaving a plan in his brain which could he work it off 
to his satisfaction, would tease her unmercifully. 
Truth to tell, his principal object was to draw her at- 
tention from himself, for he felt her influence strongly, 
and determined not to yield without a struggle. And 
Mr. Preston as he walked home soliloquized thus with 
himself : 

There’ll be a wedding at neighbor McMurray’s one 
of these days. That’s evident to the most casual ob- 
server. Well, it’s all right. She’s a sensible, pretty 
and accomplished girl, and he’s a very good fellow, no 
doubt. Has plenty of money, rumor s^ys^ and that’s 
more than she says about you, Morgie, my boy. At 
any rate it’s going to be, and I couldn’t help it if I’d 
try.” 

But in spite of the young man’s philosophy, there 
was a lurking wish in his heart, not even acknowledged 
to himself, that Harry Elton had gone rusticating in 
the balmy atmosphere of California, instead of intrud- 
ing his fascinating coi’poreity on the family of his un- 
suspecting neighbor. 


50 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


CHAPTER vn. 

The morning* dawned bright and beautiful, and gave 
promise of a sultry day, as Julj^ mornings often do. 
Two young men were reclining lazily under the sliadow 
of a large apple tree in the orchard belonging to the 
McMurray homestead. They were the Messrs. Elton 
and Todhunter. Elton was throwing little sticks at 
the birds that twittered and whistled overhead, while 
Todhunter seemed perfectly content to be quiet and 
snuff in the delightful morning breeze without any un- 
necessary exertion. What a perfect picture of sweet 
content and indolence they made, as the^^ lay there on 
that gentle green slope, so entirely oblivious to the 
hurry and worry work going on in the busy world 
around them. 

So thought Stella McMurray, as she busied herself 
with the morning work, and saw them resting there. 
And Harr^^ Elton, as his e3^es fell on the slight figure 
moving in and out through the open doorway, re- 
marked carelessl^^ to his companion, as he threw an- 
other twig at a musical mocking-bird : 

You're a luck^^ dog, Todhunter.” 

How so?” 

Any man who has won the affection of such a 
3mung lady as Miss McMurra^^ has certainly been born 
under a lucky planet.’^ 

Who said I had ? ” was the curt replj^ 

Pshaw, now Tod, I’m not blind. You needn’t 
beat about the bush with me. I can put two and two 
together as well as you can.” 

Well, I do admire her, I’ll not deny, but ” 

^^But what ? ” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


51 


^^Oh, well, lots of things,’' spoken with a knowing 
look, while he stroked his beard complacently. 

Now, Tod, she’s promised to marry you, hasn’t 
she? ” 

No, ’pon honor.” 

Have you asked her? ” 

No, not yet.” 

‘‘Bless me, man, no wonder she hasn’t promised 
you, then.” 

“ Fact is, I hadn’t quite made up my mind.” 

“Well, Tod, that isn’t a big undertaking, is it? 
You’ll have so little area to go over.” 

Seeing that his companion did not in the slightest 
degree comprehend the hidden sarcasm in his words, 
Harry Elton threw his head back and laughed uproar- 
iousl3^ Then he went on without mercy. 

“ I’m an older man than you are. Tod, capable and 
willing to give you advice. If jmu’ll listen I’ll tell you 
something that you ought to thank me for as long as 
you live.” 

“ Well, sir, what is it ?” 

“Perhaps it never occurred to you, but likely it has 
to your friends, that it is time you were starting an 
establishment of your own. Remember the demands 
that society makes upon such as you and all that. 
Ahem. Miss McMurray is. just the woman to grace 
such an establishment like a queen. Your intellect 
alone would draw a brilliant following. Take my ad- 
vice, and just as soon as she says the Avord, marry 
her.” 

“ Suppose she doesn’t care for me.” 

“ Pshaw, now. Tod, you don’t for a moment suppose 
that she can resist your charms. And it would be a 
crying shame for her to be disappointed in love so 
young. I’d lose my respect for you.” 


53 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


And when he thought how little there was of it to 
lose, he gave vent to another merry peal of laughter. 

''Would you believe it, Elton, I thought 3^ou were 
making calculations for yourself in that direction.’’ 

"I? No, indeed! She doesn’t care a rush for me. 
Good as told me so several limes.” 

" Is that so ? Well, I didn’t understand her at all.” 

“I thought so. You ought to be very grateful to 
me for putting this matter before you in its proper 
light.” 

" Do you think the governor will approve ?” 

'' Now, you don’t think he’d be so foolish as to reject 
such an alliance ? Why, he might look for a lifetime 
and not find just such a man as you. Tod, for a son-in- 
law. You just go right ahead now and ask her, and 
have it over with.” 

Suppose she gives me no chance. I imagine some- 
times she shuns me.” 

'' Don’t you see through that ? Womanly modesty, 
man.” 

" Do you think that’s it ?” 

" Certainl^^ Did you ever see a sensible woman 
throw herself in the way of the man she admires ?” 

" I never thought of that before, but I believe you 
are right. I thought she avoided me because she liked 
you better.” 

'' Nonsense. Young ladies are a singular institu- 
tion. If they like a fellow real well, they give him a 
severe letting alone.” 

" She’s a fine girl, no doubt about that. Do you 
think I could do any better, take her for everything 

"Better? Well, I shouldn’t think so,” laughing 
again, " If 3mu trifle with Miss McMurra^^ Tod, I won’t 
pity you if yon never marry. Success will never at- 
tend you again ; now, take my word for it.” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


53 


“You encourag-e me very much. But isn’t it a 
wonder that she didn’t take a fancy to you, Elton ? ” 

“ Yes. But wonders will never cease. However, 
‘ it’s an ill wind that blows nowhar’, and if jmu can 
build up a fortune on the wreck of mine, go ahead.” 

“And you really think there’s no doubt of the 
result.” 

“ Hot the least in the world. Just have a little self- 
confidence. She’s young and coy and hopeful, and 
may not seem to encourage your advances at first, but 
you must be persistent. I know exactly how it will 
end. I’m going away to-day. Will be gone all day 
and you’ll have a clear coast.” 

“ Are you ? ” 

“ Yes. Now, the field is yours. Improve your 
time. But let me tell you again (you see I under- 
stand her better than you do), if she seems inclined to 
change the subject, or to discourage you at first, don’t 
mind it. You mustn’t expect her to say ‘yes’ right 
at once. That isn’t the way they do. But hero 
comes Preston now, and I must go. I wish you the 
best of success.” 

“Thanks.” 

Young Preston here came upon the scene, fishing- 
tackle in hand, and the two walked to the house 
together. Mr. Elton ran upstairs to his room to 
exchange his light cloth coat for a linen one, and the 
two gentlemen sat on the shady porch. Stella was 
busy just inside. Young Preston saw her, smiled and 
bowed with his characteristic grace, then turned to 
his companion and conversation again, thinking- how 
charmingly pretty she looked in her cool, morning 
dress, her face so radiant and rosy, and her form so 
lithe and graceful. In a few moments young Elton 
came to her side, and whispered, 


54 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


^^Stel, I wish 3"ou more solid enjo^anent to-day than 
you ever experienced in the same length of time before 
in your life. If that broad-shouldered fellow wasn’t 
standing there, do you know what I’d like ? I know 
you are disappointed, too, but you’ll have to excuse 
me this time. Good-by.” 

Stella sent a light, rippling laugh after him, and 
answered, 

I think youv bump of impudence is very largely 
developed.” 

So the two young fishermen took themselves off to 
the woods, and Mr. Todhunter to his room. 

Poor Stella. If she only could have known what 
was in store for her that day ! She was very busy 
that morning. There was a great deal to do. The 
maid of all work was churning at the dairj^, so the 
balance of the morning’s work devolved on Stella and 
her mother. She rubbed the windows until they 
shone like crystal, then stood a few minutes looking at 
the inviting coolness without. She almost envied 
Wolf, the huge black Newfoundland, as he lay there 
in the shade, indolentl}" snapping at the flies as they 
hummed past him. She thought of the pastry and 
light loaves that were yet to be prepared for dinner in 
the sickening heat of that kitchen. 

Come, Stella, don’t stand there lookin’ at things 
you’ve seen all your life, an’ this bread a’most ready 
to run over.” 

Stella started at sound of her mother’s voice, and 
said, 

Yes, mother, I was just thinking about the 
bread.” 

And in a few moments she was moulding out the 
loaves with the skill and rapidity of one who is ac- 
customed to it. 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


55 


Morgan Preston has grown to be a fine lookin’ 
young man, hasn’t he ? ” her mother spoke again. 

Yes, ma’am, I think so.” 

Where did he and Harr3^ go this morning ? ” 

Fishing, down the little creek.” 

<< Why didn’t they take Todhunter ? ” 

I think I heard Mr. Preston invite him to go, as 
they stood on the iDorch, but he refused.” 

Just like him. He never seems to enjoy what 
other human beings do.” Stella made no reply ; and 
in a moment her mother took up the conversation 
again. I don’t know when I saw a young man like 
Harry Elton. He’s perfectly at home with every- 
body and makes no trouble, and there’s something so 
kind and pleasant like, in them pretty blue eyes of 
his’n.” 

Yes, ma’am, he is very nice,” and the words were 
spoken with an unconscious sigh. Then in the interval 
of quiet that followed, she bewailed the fact that she 
had failed to awaken in his mind one sober thought 
of the uncertain future. A little time spent in pleas- 
ant converse with Mrs. Elton in her jroom was all the 
leisure that came to Stella that morning. The weather 
was very warm, and the baking truly a labor, but at 
last all was done, the dinner over, and Stella for a few 
hours was free. She exchanged her wrapper for an 
appropriate dress, and retired to the quiet parlor for 
her usual hour’s practice. 

Mr. Todhunter, who had been waiting impatiently 
for some time for the sound of the organ, now de- 
scended the stairs in full evening costume, and enter- 
ing her presence, said, 

^^Miss Stella, may I sue for a favor, a verj^ great 
favor ? ” 

Certainly, sir, what can I do for you ? ” 


56 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


Grant me an interview. I have wanted for so 
long' to talk with you.’^ 

She replied pleasantly, 

I certainly could have no objection to talking with 
you, Mr. Todhunter. Pray be seated.’^ 
Accompanying his words with one of his most be- 
witching smiles, he said, 

^^Miss Stella, when I first met you I thought you 
a most charming wmman, but now, upon further ac- 
quaintance, I am sure you are the loveliest creature of 
your kind that I ever knew.’^ 

She answered, pettishly, as she wheeled around on 
the music stool, 

Do you think I am vain enough to believe that, 
Mr. Todhunter ? 

He caught one of her hands as she laid it on the 
keys again, and said : 

assure you I mean it, every word.” 

She quickly withdrew her hand, and replied. 

Then you are mistaken, sir. You have met many 
lovelier creatures than I.’’ 

None ever won my heart so entirely. And I came 
to ask you, lovely angel, to accept my hand and heart. 
Will you crown my wishes ? ” 

Mr. Todhunter, you are very precipitate. You 
cannot mean what you have said, or else you have 
not given the matter sufficient thought.” 

do mean it, I assure you. I would scorn to 
trifle with a lady’s feelings.” 

It is folly for you to think of me in that light, sir. 
I am not at all suited to you. Let us dismiss the sub- 
ject.” 

By no means, my dear Miss Stella, I admire your 
sweet modesty and hesitation. I expected it. Ah ! I 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


57 


think I understand 3^ou now/’ and he attempted again 
to take her hand, hut unsuccessfully. 

Indeed, you do not, sir. You misunderstand me 
utterly.” 

My dear young lady do not attempt to mislead me 
again. I am sure your heart is already mine. Just 
speak the word that will make me the happiest of 
men.^’ 

^^You are terribly mistaken, Mr. Todhunter,” she 
said, warming up a little. My heart is entirely my 
own. I have never 3^et thought of bestowing it on you 
or anyone else.” 

This had the effect of cooling his ardor somewhat, 
but remembering Harry Elton^s parting words, be 
persistent,” he soon recovered courage, and renewed 
the attack. 

I know. Miss Stella, that you are young. I am 
willing to make every allowance for youth and inex- 
perience, and even to take the risk of 3"our learning to 
love me better after a while. This I’m sure you will 
do. When we are married there shall be no more of 
this country drudgery. You shall live like a lady, 
and as becomes the wife of- Gustavus Adolphus Tod- 
hunter.” 

She saw that nothing but the plainest words could 
have any effect upon him, so hoping to cut the matter 
short, she replied emphatically. 

^^You are wasting breath, Mr. Todhunter, I never 
could marry you in the world.” 

He might have taken this as a rebuff, under ordi- 
nary circumstances, but Harry Elton had done his 
work well. So not at all disconcerted Todhunter con- 
tinued the siege. 

I cannot for a moment believe that you mean it. 


58 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


For why could you not marry me ? I am sure of your 
father's consent.” 

I was not thinking* of m3" father. I told 3^ou the 
reason a while ago. We are not suited to each other 
in the least possible degree. After a while 3"ou will 
find some one who is congenial, then 3"ou will be glad 
that I did not take advantage of this offer.” 

Now, Miss Stella, 3"ou are onh^ talking thus to tr3" 
me. You cannot mean to reject me. It is only your 
natural diffidence, a qualit3" so admii-able in a lad}", 
that makes 3"ou speak so. Let me persuade 3"ou to 
la}" that aside, and answer me as I am sure your heart 
dictates.” 

Looking him full in the face, she replied with dig- 
nity. 

''Mr. Todhunter, I have given you my unalterable 
answer. Please dismiss the subject.” 

" And you really mean it ? ” 

" Most certainly I do.” Then she saw that he was 
beginning to look disappointed, and her heart softened 
toward him in an instant. " Mr. Todhunter, I appre- 
ciate the compliment you offer me, but why you should 
have thought about me in this light I cannot imagine. 
I am not old enough yet to think of marrying. I have 
been in society but a very short time, not long enough 
to be able to make such an important selection as you 
suggest, and I would be doing you and myself a great 
injustice were I to accept your offer. There is not one 
thought nor motive in common between you and me, 
and a marriage would make us both miserable.” 

' " I don’t see it so. As I told you, I am willing to 
make all due allowance for your youth and inexperi- 
ence in society, and I see no reason why we could not 
be perfectly happy.” 

Smiling she answered^ 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


59 


Mr. Todhunter, you would hardly be happy with a 
wife for whom you must be continually making allow- 
ances.’’ 

He was silent a moment, then rallying his forces for 
a final charge, brought forward his last and strongest 
argument. 

^^Miss Stella, do you know that I am rich ? That I 
can make your life very different to what it has been? 
You shall have your carriage and servants, and I will 
dress you like a queen. Surrounded by luxury, you 
will forget that you ever led this life of drudgery that 
I know is distasteful to you. Situated as you are, 
you may never have another such offer.” 

Very true, sir ; but I’m willing to take the risk. 
In spite of these inducements my mind is unaltered. 
Rather than be married 3"et not mated, I would choose 
my life of drudgery, as you call it, forever. I am per- 
fectly happy.” 

^^Well, Miss Stella,” he said as he turned and 
walked toward the door, I was encouraged to think 
that your answer would be different. But you may 
live to regret it.” 

Indeed, Mr. Todhunter, I am very sorry this has 
happened. Believe me, I would have averted it if I 
could. You are not angry with me, are you ? ” 

Oh, no, but you’ll rue your obstinacy yet, I know,” 
and the next moment Stella was alone. Conflicting 
emotions held possession of her mind. She was sur- 
prised and indignant. There was no more practice for 
that afternoon. She leaned her head upon the organ 
and reconsidered the proceedings of the last hour. 
She noticed, more than ever, how presistent he had 
been. Then she recalled this expression, ^^I was en- 
couraged to think that your answer would be differ- 
ent.” What could he mean? Surely she never had 


60 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


encouraged him in word or deed, but contrariwise, had 
shown plainly that he had not the slightest hold upon 
her affection, nor even her respect. She looked at tho 
problem from different standpoints. Finallj^ a light 
began to break in upon her understanding, and she 
believed she had found the author of the mischief. • 
Harry Elton has done this. I am firmly com 
vinced that he has.” 

Then surprise and indignation gave place to sorrow 
and anger, and, full of little human propensities as 
Stella McMurray was, we are compelled to acknowl- 
edge that the latter passion predominated. 

Now, among young ladies in general, it is not consi- 
dered a sad or provoking thing for a young man to 
propose, no matter whether her answer is to be a yea 
or a nay. Instead, it is regarded as a pleasant and 
appropriate thing ; something to be repeated by the 
dear creature (in a confidential whisper of course). 

^‘Mr. So-and-So has proposed. I gave him a flat 
refusal. I wouldn^t tell you, but I know you wouldn’t 
say anything about it for the world.” 

And so it goes around. But Stella McMurray was 
not one of this kind. She was a pure, true, warm- 
hearted, sensible girl, and young as she was, she did 
not consider this transaction in the light of a conquest, 
but was heartily sorry that the young man had sub- 
jected himself to the mortification of a refusal. And 
as for Harry Elton, she was positively angry with 
him, and it did not appease her feelings in the least 
when her memory recalled a number of instances when 
he, in a bantering, teasing way, had given the too- 
easily misled Todhunter to think that she cared for 
him. Now she knew very well who had encouraged 
him to expect a different answer. ^^And he knew so 
well/’ she said to herself, ^Hhat I would as soon 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


61 


think of marrying* an Egyptian as Mr. Tod- 

hunter. I do not thank him for this, and he shall 
know it. It was unkind to me, and unjust to Mr. Tod- 
hunter.’^ On the impulse of the moment she resolved 
not to see either of the gentlemen again that evening, 
so she tied on her hat, and walked over to Mr. Pres- 
ton’s and spent the balance of the day with Nina Hud- 
son. Being still somewhat excited over the after- 
noon’s adventure, Stella was unusually lively and 
talkative. When Morgan came home in the evening 
and joined the two on the cool portico, he was called 
upon for a recital of the day’s proceedings. 

There’s nothing to tell,” he promptly responded, 

only the fish wouldn’t bite. But we didn’t insist,” 
he went on to explain, when we found how exhilarat- 
ing it was just to lounge in the shade, and how de- 
lightful the contents of our lunch basket.” 

The moon was shining brightly through the trees 
when Stella bade her friend good-evening, and started 
home, you ng Preston accompan3dng her. It soon be- 
came evident that the^^ were in no hurry to reach 
home. There has ever been a fascination to romantic 
minds in the gentle beams of the soft, bewitching 
moonlight. And these young people must be par- 
doned if they felt just a little more interest in each 
other than they had ever done before under its benign 
influence. 

When Mr. Preston bade her good-night at her 
father’s door, he did not tarry at all, but retraced his 
steps with an undefined feeling tugging at his heart 
as of one who had been tasting a forbidden pleasure. 
As for Stella, Harr^" Elton came forward to meet her 
as she entered the sitting room with a merry smile of 
welcome on his face, but she reinembered her resolu- 


62 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


tion, and spoke to him coolly, as she proceeded to 
light her bed-room lamp. * 

“Are we not going to have your company for the ^ 
rest of the evening ? he asked. 

No, sir, not this evening. Good-night.’’ 

And with a stately nod of her pretty head, she left 
the room. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

The next morning Mr. Todhunter astonished them 
all by settling his bill and taking the first train for the 
city. He gave no reason for his sudden departure, 
and none were asked. But there were two persons 
besides himself who kneAv. Yet not a Avord passed be- 
tween those tAvo upon the subject that da^^ for Stella 
persistent!}^ kept aloof from Mr. Elton, and eA^en de- 
coyed Mr. and Mrs. Elton, Sr., into the parlor in the 
afternoon, during the hour of her musical exercise, to 
avoid thereby any confidential conversation. And 
Stella, Avith an unnecessary assumption of dignity, 
arose and left the room as soon as her lesson Avas 
finished. 

And the discomfited Harry Avandered up into the 
orchard, and throAving himself doAvn upon the soft, 
green grass in the very spot Avhere so recently his fer- 
tile brain had concocted the scheme that Avas noAV 
bringing him only regret, muttered to himself, 

“ Well, I’ve done it now. Confound the luck. Tod- 
hunter has pulled up stakes and gone home in high 
dudgeon, Stella’s all out of sorts, and the mischief’s to 
pay all around. If the fellow had had the discrimina- 
tion of an oyster, he Avouldn’t have made such an un- 
mitigated donkey of himself nohow. When I suggest 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


63 


matrimonial plans to another dude, he’ll know it. But 
I must make it up with Stella some way.” 

The way did ’t appear very clear to the young man 
just then, though, for she had hardlj^ given him a 
chance to speak to her all day. And in the evening, 
after tea, she snatched up her bonnet and went over 
the hill to see Aunt Polly again. She was sitting in 
her old arm-chair rocking herself as usual, when her 
visitor darkened the doorway. 

^‘How do you do. Auntie ? you see I am as good as 
my word.” 

Yes, honey, I’se jes’ been a thinkin’ about you. 
Take this fan, ye look worried.” 

Thank you, I walked right fast. I came just to 
have a talk with you. I am worried, as you said, but 
it isnT bodilj^ weariness.” 

I knowed it, chile, now tell ole Auntie what’s the 
matter.” 

I hardly know how to begin. I’ve been trying 
lately to be so good — to be better than ever before, 
and I so longed to do something for the dear Saviour 
who has done so much for me. And I really imagined 
that I could, and just then something occurred unex- 
pectedly, something ver}^ disagreeable, and, Auntie, 
before I realized it, I was all wrong. I was encourag- 
ing anger and ugly feelings toward others. Now you 
see, Auntie, my Christian character wouldn’t stand 
even a very slight test.” 

^‘Laws, honej^, when a builder’s jes’ began, got de 
frame up, ye might say, and ain’t got no girders nor 
jists in, nor nuthin’ much, it ain’t agoin’ to take much 
of a storm to topple it over.” 

I don’t see what that has to do with it.” 

De house is like de ’ligious character, chile, it won’ 
stan’ de winds and storms till it’s done. An’ like de 


04 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


house, it takes time to build it. De Lawd don* ^spect 
a chile like you is, honey, to be as strong as dem 
what’s been in de way fur a lifetime.’’ 

But I ought to be making some progress. Yet I 
find I am as easily tempted as I ever was.” 

‘^Laws, honey, ye’s but a babe in Christ. When 
yer git more o’ de timber on, yer house’ll be stronger. 
All good people’s tempted to do wrong sometimes, an’ 
dey hab all yielded at sometime. Jes’ look at good ole 
Peter. 'He sinned, eben to cussin’. But when he went 
out an’ cried, and sobbed, de Lawd forgive him, an’ 
jes’ see how He used him arter dat.” 

^^My sin was as great as that. Oh, with what 
shame I look back over the day.” 

Honey, ye’s jes’ come to one o’ dem rough places 
what all true Christians fin’, an’ bein’ tuk unawares 
like, ye jes’ stumbled a leetle, dats all. De babe can’t 
Avalk good when it fust tries. It takes a step, den 
totters and falls, jes’ like you. Now, jes’ stretch yer 
hands up to de lovin’ Father an’ He’ll help ye up.” 

"‘Yes, Auntie, I know, but that won't undo the 
harm I’ve done. I was trying to set such a good 
example before one of my friends, one in Avhom I am 
very much interested, and now, what must he think 
of me ?” 

And she laid her head in her old nurse’s lap, where 
she had carried many a childish sorrow, and wept like 
a child. 

"" I sees where de trouble is, honey. Ye’s been 
trustin’ too much in your own strength, an’ forgot to 
ask de Lawd for de daily ’sply.” 

I believe it. I haven’t prayed as much as I ought 
to have done.” 

"" Go right to de foot ob de cross, honey, and ax de 
lovin’ Master to take ye back into his arms agin, am 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


65 


help ye to undo what yeVe done that’s wrong. He’ll 
neber cast ye away, honej^ neber. We’se all got to go 
through these tribulations and trials, an’ if ye’se done 
wrong dis time, go back and begin agin, an’ see dat 
ye don’t stumble in de same place nex’ time.” 

^‘That is wholesome advice, Auntie. I’m glad I 
came to you. Now if the Lord will only show me how 
I can remedy the evil I’ve done, I will be so glad, and 
would try to be so careful hereafter. Shall I read 
something ? ” 

Please, Miss Stella.” 

By some chance she opened the book at the second 
chapter of Hebrews, and when she read the last verse — 
For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted. 
He is able to succour. them that are tempted” — she 
received it into her soul as a blessed assurance, and 
bidding Auntie good-night, started for home. 

Now Harry Elton, Avho had been watching Stella’s 
movements pretty clpsel}", noted her departure from 
home, and being determined on a reconciliation, had 
follow'ed at a distance, as far as the broad rock that 
nearly bridged the stream over which she had to pass. 
This was a picturesque spot. Here he awaited pa- 
tiently her return. With some surprise she saw and 
recognized him as she came down the hill, and coming 
to the bank, held out both hands, smilingly for his 
assistance, and said, 

Why, Harry, how came you here ? ” 

Come, sit down a few moments and I’ll tell you. 
I came to see you. I knew you couldn’t get by with- 
out giving me a word, and j^ou are doubtless aware of 
the fact that you are have scarcely noticed me all day. 
You are ver^^ angry with me, aren’t you, Stella ! ” 
She looked into his clear, kind, honest eyes, as he 


66 


■WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


sat there at her feet, and said, with conlrition in her 
voice, 

“ I have been, Harry, but I am not now. I amverj’ 
sorry, and sincerely ask your pardon for my unneces- 
sary coolness toward 3'ou.” 

Harry looked up to Stella in perfect amazement. 

“ What do you mean, Stella ? It is I that should 
apologize, not you, and it was for that that I sought 
you this evening. I gave you cause to be angry, but 
you have done nothing for which I could demand any 
apology.” 

“ Yes, I have, Harry. You did nothing at all so 
terribly grievous. Yet, I became angry and acted 
unkindly toward you. Oh, I am so sorry. Harry 
please do not allow my unchristian-like conduct to 
cause jmi to think that religion doesn’t help us after 
all, and that all Christians would have acted as I have 
done.” 

For once Harry Elton was perplexed. This inter- 
view was progressing so differently to what he had 
expected. 

“ Stella, you are blaming yourself unjustlj'’. I did 
wrong— very. I ouglit not to have persuaded the fel- 
low to do such a thing’ ; but I didn’t stop to think that 
it might displease you, nor of the disagreeable conse- 
quences that would follow.” 

She laughed lightly. 

“ As for your escapade, Harry, I don’t think the 
consequences will be injurious to anyone. Constitu- 
tionally fond of fun, as I know j'ou to be, I can see 
how almost impossible it was for you to let such a rare 
chance slip. The one thing that troubles me now is, 
that you are disgusted, not so much with me, Harry, 
as with the cause that I so unworthily represent. ” 

“ Stella, I wish you wouldn’t talk this way. You 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


er 


overwhelm me with regret that I did such an ungen- 
erous thing*. Just give me a plump little scolding*, 
won’t you ? ” 

No, indeed, that is the furthest from my thoug*hts. 
If you did wrong*, Harry, I, more. If you could but 
assure me that I have not injured the doctrine that I 
would defend, my mind would be at ease. But, alas ! 
I sadly fear you cannot.” 

He took both her hands in his own, and in a low 
voice answered, 

Stella, dear little sister, be assured that I never 
more respected or admired the votaries of religion 
than I do now. And there is solid truth in what it 
teaches, or you could not have acted the brave little 
girl that you have.” 

They arose and started homeward, arm in arm, and 
she talked to him of the love of Christ as she never did 
before, and he listened with an attention he had never 
shown before. An hour later, when Morgan Preston 
and his cousin came up the steps, Harry Elton and 
Stella were sitting at the organ, playing and singing 
that grand old hymn, rich in sentiment and song : 

“ Rock of Ages, cleft for me, 

Let me hide myself in Thee.’’ 

Thej^ stood on the portico, nor made their presence 
known until the music ceased. The voices of the 
singers were so sweet, and so perfectly attuned to each 
other, that there seemed no void in their music. But 
while endeavoring to teach her some difficult interlude, 
Harry leaned over and guided Stella’s fingers with his 
own, and a sudden pang shot through young Preston’s 
heart which he endeavored instantly to suppress, but 
with such poor success that he inwardly almost cursed 


6S 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


himself, Harry Elton, Stella, the oi’g'aii and every- 
thing. 

Morgan Pi’eston was a man of such superior strength 
and self-control, that no human being guessed the 
secret that was only just heginning to dawn faintly 
upon his own mental vision. 

“ When I rise to worlds unknown, 

And behold Thee on Thy throne, 

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, 

Let me hide myself in Thee.” 

The last notes died away in a soft, sweet murmur, 
and the performer turned around upon her music- 
stool, and — faced her unexpected audience. Consterna- 
tion held her silent for an instant, then Stella hastened 
to welcome her guests. Soon they tvere conversing in 
an easy, animated way upon the different topics of 
the day, and the hours were passing most agreeably, 
when, by some chance the tide of conversation turned 
upon a religious subject, and quite naturally, the name 
of an eminent evangelist, then laboring in Boston, came 
up, and Stella asked Mr, Preston’s opinion of the man 
and his work. He replied : 

“ I regard him as an honest, well-meaning enthusi- 
ast.” 

“ I hardly understand you. Do you mean to con- 
demn him because, in your opinion, he is an enthusi- 
ast ? ” 

“ I ought not, I suppose, nor would I, if he did not 
endeavor to affect the minds of his hearers with feel- 
ings akin to his own. But this is a natural law with 
public speakers.” 

“Well, Mr. Preston, why shouldn’t he? Isn’t en- 
thusiasm in the cause of religion a proper feeling ? See 
how enthusiastic men become over political and scien- 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


69 


tific questions, or even their own little petty financial 
affairs ! And these are the merest trifies when com- 
pared with the salvation of immortal souls.’’ 

Pleasantly he answered, 

^^Miss Stella, you place a low estimate upon the 
mighty problems that are vexing the world to-day. 
Problems so difficult of solution that they are puzzling' 
the most brilliant minds that the nineteenth century 
has produced.” 

I think not, sir. I plainly recog*nize the import- 
ance of faithful political management, but with all our 
cavilling we do not reach it. And scientific questions 
are of vital interest to us all, because when properly 
adjusted and understood, they will invariably substan- 
tiate the teachings of the Bible. But you will admit, 
I am sure, Mr. Preston, that the work in which Rev 

Mr. is engaged, that of pointing the lost to the 

^Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the 
world,' far transcends in importance those that we 
have mentioned.” 

I am sorry that even to please you. Miss Stella, I 
cannot admit anything of the kind. Do not think 
harshly of me if I tell you that I opine that mankind 
would be fully as safe and happy were he to remain at 
home for the balance of his natural life, and devote his 
time and talents to the promotion of the well being 
and happiness of his family.” 

Astonished she asked quickly, 

^^Mr. Preston, am I to Interpret your remark as 
prejudicial to this minister alone, or to the cause of 
religion generally ? 

There is a little difference of opinion between you 
and me. Miss Stella. Let us not make the breach 
wider by pursuing the subject further," he pleasantly 
replied. 


70 


WHICH SHALL IT BE i 


But you will answer me one question, and in ask- 
ing it I take it for granted that your prejudice con- 
cerns Rev. Mr. personall3^ How about the 

propagation of religion ? Who is to do it if not such 
men as he, who feel it to be their life-work and 
duty ? ” 

True religion, the religion of nature, will propa- 
gate itself if eveiy man will but study for himself, and 
learn its law, its causes and effects.” 

Please explain a little more clearly what you mean 
by the religion of nature ? 

That which our own individuality teaches us. 
Something that can be proven b^^ philosophy and 
strengthened by nature's plain, legitimate laws.” 

And the religion of Jesus Christ— what of that ? ” 
she asked in a voice low with pained surprise. 

He saw the effect his words were having upon the 
listener, and laughingly answered. 

Why do 3^011 question me so closel^^ Miss Stella, 
seeing that we differ so widel^^? Let us talk about 
something else, Ave must say good-night in a very 
little while. I spent to-da^" with Sir William Wallace 
and his lovel}^ Helen Mar. Have you read the 
^ Scottish Chiefs ? ’ ” 

Yes, sir.” 

Of course you were pleased ? ” 

Yes, sir. Miss Porter has made of William Wal- 
lace a beautiful character— a rare combination of 
bravery, fidelity and goodness. Is there anything in 
liis life as presented in that book to encourage 3^ou to 
embrace the doctrine which you profess ? ” 

He laughed again, good humoredly, and said. 

Woman’s persistency! You will come back to 
the forbidden subject.” 

Presently thej^ arose to go home, the good-nights 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


71 


were said, and they took their departure, leaving* 
Harry Elton and Stella standing on the portico alone. 

Hariy, I am surprised be^mnd measure/" exclaimed 
Stella, the moment they were out of hearing. 

Why ? he asked. 

‘'That Mr. Preston entertains such horrible ideas of 
religion."’ 

"Yes, I, too, was surprised, I must confess, to hear 
him so express himself.” 

" His parents are earnest Christian people. Where 
in the world did he fall in with such a doctrine ? ” 

" I cannot tell. ’Tis strange, very strange. Yet I 
do not know a more thorough gentleman ; educated, 
self-possessed, modest and refined ; but his opinions 
concerning religion are certainly bad, very bad.” 

''I’m sorry, for I cannot respect him now,” she 
said, " as I could have done if his principles were 
sound. And such a grief as it must be to his mother. 
Ah, poor woman, many a heartache will this bring her, 
and he is her idol, too.” 


CHAPTER IX. 

“Desire has trimmed the sails, and circumstance 
Brings but the breeze to fill them.” 

The summer is over : the hot, dusty summer, and 
now it is September — beautiful, bountiful September. 
But few changes noticeable to the casual observer have 
taken place with the characters that figure most con- 
spicuously in our story, during the summer months 
that have just passed. But casual observers know 
really nothing about us after all. They judge us by 
what lies on the surface, never dreaming that we laugh 
and chat sometimes when we long to be alone, that we 


72 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


may weep and be silent. They cannot peer beyond the 
impenetrable guise that hides our strongest, purest 
and best feelings from common inspection. And so, 
during the long, bright summer months, impressions 
have been made upon the hearts of some characters, 
which, although not patent to the indifferent observer, 
are none the less abiding ; impressions so strong and 
enduring that the course of their whole future lives 
will be shapen thereby. The pleasure seekers from 
the city have all drifted back again save young Mr. 
Elton, who is loth to leave these delightful haunts, 
with their still more delightful associations. We find 
him this afternoon with a party of young people at- 
tending — not a base-ball, nor a foot-ball game, those 
intellectual and elevating pastimes that have become 
so popular among our ambitious young men — but, now 
don’t laugh, attending a Sunday-school picnic in the 
grove adjacent to the church at Waverle^^ Hall. And 
he is enjoying it, too. It is a sweet, shady place where 
they have assembled, and the smiling faces of more 
than a hundred children show their appreciation of the 
scene. But not the least charming feature of the occa- 
sion is the sprightly winning faces of a score or more 
of young ladies who, with their brothers (or somebody 
else’s brothers) are doing their utmost to make it a 
time Iqng to be remembered by the children, are dis- 
tributing among them bountif ul supplies of that which 
satisfieth the inner cravings of human nature, inter- 
spersing the occasion with music, and, at intervals, 
snatches of conversation. But we would have it dis- 
tinctly understood that this latter by -play was not for 
the benefit of the children. Here among these chari- 
table jmung people we find, also, Morgan Preston, 
Stella McMurray and Nina Hudson. The two latter 
were sitting together, somewliat remote from anyone 


WHICH SHALL IT BE 2 


73 


else, talking of events as they transpired around them. 
Harr^^ Elton was seated at the organ, playing a spir- 
ited brilliant piece of music for the amusement of his 
juvenile acquaintances. The melody was quick, and 
warbling, and thrilling, like the notes of a bird, and 
the two young ladies as they listened, commented, 
naturally enough, first upon the performance, then the 
performer. Stella said in her honest, straightforward 
way, 

‘‘I certainly do admire Mr. Elton greatly, and his 
stay with us this summer has been a great advantage 
to me.'’ 

^^In what way ?” asked her companion. 

In every way, I think,” was the thoughtful reply. 

He has taught me, conversationallj^, something of 
life outside the narrow sphere in which I have observed 
it. He has travelled a good deal and occupies a social 
position which admits him into a circle of which I only 
read. Yet he adapts himself readily to surroundings, 
and is a delightfullj^ modest, unassuming compnnion. 
Do you not admire him ?’* 

Yes, rather," hesitatingly. 

Impulsive Stella answered quickly, 

Such an answer is equivalent to saying that you 
don’t like him at all.” 

Oh, no ; I do like him for some things.” • 

Some things ? What are the3^ ? ” 

Well,” laughing, he is pleasant to talk to, and 
to look at.” 

^^Ah! well, now, would you mind telling me what 
you object to ? ” 

‘‘To be honest with you, Stella, I think he has no 
depth of character. To use a common phrase, he is 
trifling.” 

^‘That’s it, is it? Don’t mistake yourself. Miss 


71 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


Hudson/’ replied tlie little champion. If you knew 
him as Avell as I do, you wouldn’t say that. His man- 
ner is blithe and merry as a child, but his principles 
are sound and true as steel. For what he professes 
to be — a moralist — he has no superior among m^^ 
acquaintances.” 

I hope I am mistaken instead of you. Certainly 
he doesn’t impress me as a man who has a definite, 
earnest purpose in life.” 

Reared in the lap of luxury, Nina, as he has been, 
nothing has occurred to develop those strong qualities 
that are there, I know, if circumstances shoilld ever 
call them into action.” 

Nina smiled incredulously and said. 

There is resolution, and honest3^ and truth per- 
sonified, as near as I have ever seen it in a man.” 

She pointed to Morgan Preston, surrounded by a 
group of children, his handsome face beaming with 
smiles and good nature. One little roguish-e^^ed girl 
climbed up in his arms and looked triumphantly down 
upon the others, who had gathered as close about him 
as the.y could. He was giving them apples and cake, 
and telling them fairy stories. A happier little group 
was not in the grove. Stella looked at the pretty 
picture some moments before she spoke, then said, as 
if speaking to herself, 

What a hideous deformity he carries in his heart.” 

What do you mean, Stella ? ” 

You surelj^ are not ignorant of the fact that Mor- 
gan Preston is an infidel, are you, Nina? ” 

Nina’s face flushed a little as she replied. 

He has imbibed false notions, but I think he will 
soon see tlie folly of them.” 

‘•Not if he is that resolute, determined man that he 
seems, and that j^ou represent him. Now, Nina, while 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


Y5 

you are so critically pointing out the flaws in Mr. El- 
ton’s disposition, just tell me what greater blot there 
could be on a man’s character than the name of in- 
fldel.” 

^^But, Stella, Morgan’s obnoxious opinions are ac- 
quired, and may, by good influence and surroundings, 
be removed ; while Mr. Elton’s failings are innate, 
natural, a part of the man’s very self.” 

For the greater part, Nina, they only exist in your 
imagination.” Then, as if ready to dismiss the subject, 
she added, ^^When Mr. Preston completely changes 
his views we will compare the two men.” 

Stella, be careful that you don’t think too unchari- 
tablj^ of Morgan. There are circumstances that tend 
to palliate his error. While away at school he met 
with and read, through curiosity at first, infidel books, 
formed acquaintances who believed such theories, and 
having there no Christian influence thrown around him, 
he read and listened until he believes all that the infidel 
writers say.” 

How could Morgan so soon forget his strict relig- 
ious home-training ?” 

‘•There’s the difficulty, Stella. His parents were 
not strict, but lax in their discipline. When a child, 
at home, he selected his own reading, and followed his 
own judgment in almost everything. Having no per- 
nicious literature within his reach at home, they did 
not foresee anything of this kind. His parents are bit- 
terly grieved.” 

“ I pity them sincerely. Just see how attractive he 
is to those little ones. How eagerly they gather about 
him and listen to his stories. Oh, if he were only a 
Christian.” 

That is his only fault. I know him thoroughly. A 
more thoughtful, loving, tender son there could not 


76 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


be. Honorable, kind and courteous in every re- 
spect.’’ 

I do not doubt it, but while he bears that terrible 
blight on his moral escutcheon, I, for one, cannot make 
of him an intimate friend.” 

Think again, Stella. Is that the way to retain 
those that have wandered ? Will standing off and let- 
ting him alone make of him a better man ? ” 

Stella laughed. 

You worsted me that time. I’ll admit. I’d rescue 
him if I could, but certainly I cannot regard him in 
the same light that I did before I knew this.” 

Just then Harry Elton came up and said, pleas- 
antly, 

^‘I am sorry to interrupt you, ladies; but, Stella, 
we are requested to sing a duet. We must not re- 
fuse, must we ? ” 

Oh, no ; certainly not.” 

So the three walked off together. Stella played and 
the two sang together, just as they had often done be- 
fore ; but during this act another pretty little tableau 
was spoiled. Mr. Preston, as soon as his eyes wan- 
dered in the direction of the singers, hastily, but not 
rudely, put the child from him that was sitting on his 
knee, and saying gentlj^ to the little group. 

There, now, children, run to your seats,” got up, 
and with a scowl on his face and defiance in his step, 
pulled his hat down over his eyes and walked away in 
the opposite direction. When he had gone quite out of 
range of the party, he threw himself on the ground at 
the foot of a large tree, supported his head on his 
elbow, pulled his hat over his face in order to exclude 
the saucy sunbeams, and remained in this most un- 
sociable position until the festivities ceased, then, after 
everyone else had gone, took himself home at his 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


77 


leisure. But, according to Agatlion, It is a part of 
probability that many improbable things will happen.'’ 
Glancing up at the opem window as he drew near the 
house, he gave a start of surprise as he saw the faces 
of the two whom he had. been seeking to avoid. 

It was only momentary, though, and. a moment 
later he entered the parlor, the same affable, cultivat- 
ed gentleman that we always find him. A few pleas- 
ant hours soon sped away, and again Mr. Preston 
raised his eyebrows in mute amazement when, after 
Nina had yielded to Stella’s request to walk a part of 
the distance homeward with them, Mr. Elton quietly 
offered his arm to Nina and walked away with her 
without so much as a By your leave, miss,” to 
Stella. 

''Mr. Elton has left you no choice. Miss Stella,” 
he said, as he offered his arm to her, and followed 
them. 

"No, sir,” she replied,^ "and I am glad that you 
have no advantage over me. Had there been another 
young lady I w^’ould probably have been compelled to 
Avalk home alone, or worse, to have acted in the capa- 
city of the intruding third party.” 

" Perhaps not.” Then in a tone of voice a little 
harder, said, "You are not very exacting or you 
would not allow this.” 

"Allow what?” 

" Mr. Elton to lend his escort to another lady right 
before your e^^es. They really assume an interest in 
each other, too.” 

"Why shouldn’t he, Mr. Preston? Surety I 
vrouldn’t think of trying to restrain him.” 

"Isn’t there a possibility of being too amiable?” 
Then fearing that she might take his words literalty, 
lie hastened to say, " But he is in excellent company, 


78 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


Miss Stella, and will not be drawn from his allegiance 
in the least/^ 

She saw that he did not understand her, but she did 
not know wh^^, and said, 

You spoke of assuming interest in each other, is 
there not something in each of them that should really 
attract the other ? 

Under different circumstances, yes ; but as they 
now exist, why ask such a question ? ” her replied, for 
it really did seem a strange question to him. 

Because a sudden light is breaking in upon my 
mind. What blind creatures we are. He is unmistak- 
ably attractive.” 

He was startled at her words, but answered with his 
usual self-possession. 

Miss Stella, I am sure you have not the smallest 
ground for distrust. I was only jesting when I caused 
the conversation to take the turn that it has.? 

She was surprised at his earnestness, and he at her 
coolness, and, as is often the case, the3^ entirel}^ mis- 
understood each other, wondered a little, and passed 
on. 

‘^Mr. Preston,’* said she, after a moment’s silence, 

I have something to ask you. We ’ll call it an 
ethical question, and I want a ver^^ frank answer.” 

You shall certainly have it,” he replied, that is, 
if I comprehend your question.” 

Suppose you had a friend between whom and your- 
self there existed a genuine friendship, and that friend 
entertained among a host of noble principles, one per- 
fectly^ abliorent to y^ou, and so deadly in its tendencies 
as ultimately to result in his ruin — would you avoid 
the subject or try to turn him from his error ? ” 

There is but one answer, Miss Stella. I would 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


■79 


not be his friend did T not warn him of his danger and 
seek to save him.’’ 

I agree with you precisel3^ Now, Mr. Preston, 
that is just the position that I hold toward you.” 

^‘Toward me? You astonish me. Ami really in 
such a dangerous state as that ? ” 

^^My friend, your soul, the immortal part of your 
nature, is in imminent peril. More than that, while 
entertaining the opinions that you do, you are dwarf- 
ing your capabilities, and to make the best even of this 
brief life, will be impossible.” 

^‘All this because I venture to believe with the 
minority, those who are seeking for absolute truth ? ” 

Mr. Preston, are jmu earnestly seeking for truth ? 
I would like to emphasize every word in the question.” 

I understand you. Yes, Miss Stella, I am earnestly 
seeking for truth. Not a theory, no matter how be- 
witching, but a bald truth. Something knowable, and 
that can be proven.” 

Then, sir, if 3^011 are seeking an honest explanation 
of a question, of course you must consider equally both 
sides of that question. Isn’t that logic ? ” 

Yes.” 

And the question with you is simplj^ this. Is the 
Bible true ? Now, Mr. Preston, in order to get a satis- 
factory^ solution of this question, what have you been 
reading?” 

He cleared his throat a ^little uneasily^ and named 
several books written by Hume, Paine, and others. 

All those books hold that the Bible is untrue,” she 
said. ^^Now what did you read in defense of it? 
‘Watson’s Apology^ ’ or ‘ Butler’s Analogy^’ or what ? ” 
“ I must answer, nothing in that line.” 

“Then .you have only^ considered one side of the 
question, and you have already^ admitted that that is 


80 


WHICH SHALL IT BE f 


not the way to reach an honest conclusion. Now, 
have you read the Bible itself carefully ? ” 

He winced a little but ansAvered, 

Yes, Miss Stella, I have read it. It teaches among 
other things that through the mediation and death of 
a supernatural character, \vhom the.y call Christ, I 
may be admitted into a future state of bliss. But how 
am I to know, certainly, that such a man as Christ 
ever lived ? There is no other detailed account of his 
life besides that given in the Bible/^ 

Do you believe there ever lived a man whom they 
called Julius Caesar ? ” 

Certainly.” 

^^Why?” 

Because reliable history teaches it. 

Or in other words, somebody else has said so. If 
the existence of Christ upon earth has not been 
proven bejmnd the possibility of doubt, then no fact in 
history has. Witnesses many and reliable have 
attested it. You have no more right to impeach their 
testimony than that of those men who have handed 
down to us the account of the life of Julius Caesar. 
And not New Testament statements only, which 
comes to usintheda^^s of w^ell-authenticated history, 
but even in the Old Testament, wherever we find any- 
thing touching upon ancient history it is accepted 
as strictly reliable by the most eminent scholars of to- 
day.” 

But we have the account of Caesar’s life from vari- 
ous authors, while the life of Christ comes from but 
one source. Why did not other writers take up this 
wonderful life ? ” 

At that time, and for generations afterward, that 
would have been a dangerous thing to do. His pure 
doctrine and holy life upset the pet theories of the 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


81 


religious teachers of his day, and He was very unpop- 
ular. Those men who stood up in defense of his doc- 
trine, and believed in his divinit^^, took, everjmne, his 
life in hand. No author of standing would hazard his 
reputation and his life by taking up a theme that met 
with such universal disfavor. But the Bible gives us 
all the information we need about the life, crucifixion 
and ascension of Christ. If. you will study it, Mr. 
Preston, without prejudice, you will find within its 
pages that which will lead you into a happy and use- 
ful life.’^ 

Yes, Miss Stella, if I believed it as unquestionably 
as you.’’ 

Bishop Foster, in one of his flights of eloquence, 
says : ^ It is impossible to divest the mind of theological 
thought. No man is a sufficiency for himself. The 
entire universe of things is not sufficient. The highest 
conceivable bliss, endlessl}^ extended, but excluding 
God, is not sufficient. He must have God. He can 
construct no ideal destiny that includes not despair if 
God be left out. The vast splendor is a mocker}^ He 
roams amid its magnificence, gnawed with unappeased 
hunger, driven about from rim to rim of its empty 
grandeur in quest of that which is not, and which it 
cannot give. Empty of God it is no palace for him. 
His very sin demands an altar of confession. His woe 
will have an Ear into which it must pour its anguish. 
His helplessness creates an Omnipotence for its ref- 
uge. His incommunicable secrets are a burden he 
cannot bear until he finds One Who reads them. He 
will have God. It is the deepest necessity his soul 
experiences. He might endure exile from the society 
of his fellow-men, might subsist in a dungeon, might 
even cling to life though banished to some lonely and 
desolate spot, where neither man nor beast would 


82 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


afford him companionship — a gloom of solitude where 
he should hear no voice — a very desert of death — 
alone, helpless, friendless, joyless — he might endure all 
this and yet live ; but he must have God. In that 
desert he will build an altar. Out of that awful si- 
lence he will send up a prayer. The necessity is in 
the nature of man. Does it mean nothing ? ’ What 
say .you, Mr. Preston ? 

Your quotation, Miss Stella, is a very fine flight of 
eloquence, as you. have said, but the picture is very 
much overdrawn. I find that men have lived, and 
peacefully died, without believing as Bishop Foster 
does.’’ 

She was silent a moment, and then said, eagerly and 
earnestly, 

“ Oh, if I could onl.y convince you of your error ! 
How you are jeopardizing that precious possession, 
your immortal soul, and toying with your eternal 
destiny. But no amount of argument will do it.” 

Instinctivelj^ she clasped both hands upon his arm 
and looking up into his face said pleadingl3^, 

Wh}^ do you persist in this wilful blindness ? Why 
not leave off theorizing and reading books and trea- 
tises which teach that God is only a great First Cause, 
a something whose work was done ages and ages ago, 
and that the vicarious death and the atonement of 
Christ is only an overdrawn story, and read the 
simple, plain evidences of the existence of a merciful, 
loving, and all-wise Father, that are so apparent, all 
about and beneath ^nd around you? Goodness and 
forbearance and love have surrounded .you all along 
through life, and to-night those beautiful, brilliant 
lamps that God has hung out in the sk}^ but faintl^^ 
typify all the brightness and fulness of the love and 
mercy with which your Heavenly Father regards you 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


83 


Why not yield while God lovingly pleads with you, 
and not W'ait until in his just anger He smites 
you ? ’’ 

He looked down into the sweet, upturned face, so 
sincere in its expression, laid his hand just for an in- 
stant, upon the two that elapsed his arm, but he said 
not a word. They now had reached the gate, and as 
he did not reply, she said in a voice low with intensity, 

^^Mr. Preston, mine is not a blind faith, I know in 
whom I believe. No earthly consideration could pur- 
chase from me the assurance of my acceptance with 
God ; the knowledge that I am adopted to his family ; 
that Jesus is my Saviour, my ever- watchful, loving 
Friend. Oh ! I entreat 3"ou, come out of the darkness 
into the light. There is no pleasure in your belief. 
Nothing but annihilation and darkness at which our 
whole nature revolts. But in mine there is light and 
happiness and immortalitj^ Won’t you come out of 
your world into mine ? ” 

Whenever I can with honesty accept your views. 
Miss Stella, I will. At present I cannot.” 

The others were waiting for them on the porch, the 
friends spoke a hearty good-night, Nina took her 
cousin’s arm, and started homeward, and Harr^^ and 
Stella, as conversation seemed rather constrained on 
both sides, soon said good- night. Half an hour later 
Morgan Preston sat in his easy- chair b^^ his chamber 
window, and while myriads of bright, golden stars 
smiled down upon him, and the shadows from the rus- 
tling leaves outside pla3^ed fantastic freaks upon his 
sober thoughtful face, mused thus with himself, 

‘^Whj^ is she thrown constantlj^ near me? I’ve 
sought to avoid her to-da^^ and I’ve done it with a ven- 
geance. Here I am, positively in love, no shirking it 
now, with this plain, unpretending, bewitching little 


84 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


country girl, whom I have known ever since she was a 
child. And she is engaged to another. 

‘ Am I mad that I should cherish that which bears but bitter 
fruit? 

I will pluck it from my bosom though my heart be at the root.’ 

'Why cannot I feel this toward Lilian Martin ? 
She’s a sweet little girl, and I guess it’s no harm to 
tell you, Morgan Preston, and I know ^^ou’ll keep my 
secret, I could get her for the asking. Rich, too, and 
as I am not burdened with money myself that would 
be no obstacle. Well, I’ll harden my heart and keep 
away from Miss McMurray. That’s what I’ll do, and 
I can do it as well as not. Poor little thing ! how 
steadfastly she believes her pretty delusion.” 

After a while, thoroughly disgusted with the unsatis- 
factory state of things, he threw himself upon his bed. 
Although he had creditably determined within him- 
self to think no more about his interesting neighbor, 
his dreams assumed a form that was veiy much calcu- 
lated^ to burden him in keeping his resolutions. Stella 
McMurray’s face and figure flitted in and out before 
his vision, while Harry Elton’s provokingly musical 
voice somewhere in the dim distance was continually^ 
weaving strains of bewitching melody. 

The sun was shining in at his window when Morgan 
woke from his fitful sleep. 

^‘Have I kept you waiting, mother?” he asked 
pleasantly when he descended to the breakfast room. 

^^Only a little while, dear,” she replied. 

I sat up late last night and overslept as a natural 
result. Where’s father ? ” 

Father ate early^ and went down to the station.” 
Did he ? Well, mother, I am thinking of going to 
B this afternoon,” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


85 


What, dear ? I thought you were not going until 
next week/' she replied. 

^•That was my first plan, hut I would rather go 
now unless you really object. And if I do not come 
back for a month or so, mother, would you care ? " he 
asked. 

Oh, that seems so long, Morgan. We are very 
lonely, your father and I. You know you are all we 
have, dear." 

The mother’s voice was soft and tender. 

^^Yery well, mother. I'll come every alternate Sat- 
urday. I can do it as well as not." 

Did you want much to stay, Morgan ? " 

Oh, not so very much," assuming a careless man- 
ner. ^^It is pleasant to know that even such an enter- 
taining young lady as Nina cannot entirely fill my 
place." 

I could hardly hope to do that," retorted Nina. 

What are you going to do with yourself to-daj^, 
coz ? ” 

Write letters this morning, and this afternoon I 
promised to go out with Stella.'^ 

He asked no further questions, but arose from the 
table, and stepping behind his mother’s chair, took her 
face between his hands and kissed her affectionatelj", 
then ran upstairs to his room. Having closed the door 
he took down ^Westiges" from the shelf, opened it, 
and laid it on his knee. Then looking out the window, 
muttered : 

That will always be the way — always her name. 
If mother only knew ! But she never shall. And as 
for me, I can conquer my silly self just as well by 
coming home as staying away. But this is not doing 
it," and he fell to reading with stolid determination. 

An hour later his mother entered the room, and 


86 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


looking over his shoulder read the title of the book he 
was so intently perusing, This sentence headed the 
page, and it was all she waited to read : 

There may he behind the screen of nature a system 
of mercy and grace which is to make up for all casual- 
ties endured here, and the very largeness of whicli 
makes these casualties a matter of indiderence to 
God.’’ 

She did not like the phraseology, and said in a voice 
of sadness, 

‘‘My son, if you would only give up this line of 
reading and thought, how different your life would 
be.” 

“ Why, mother, my life is a delightful one.” 

“ But after this — what then ? ” 

“ Well, I don’t know. I don’t think any one does 
to a positive certainty.” 

She laid her trembling hand on his and said, 

•^Oh, Morgan, throw it all away — all these vain 
and foolish theories that you have so carefully sifted 
from science and metaph^^sics. They will be swept 
from you some day like chaff before the wind. What 
will science be to you if you lose your precious, undy- 
ing soul ? ” 

“Well, mother, where is the utility of a religious 
theory that will not stand the test of argument? We 
are reasoning beings, and we want something more 
than emotional feeling.” 

“ Oh, my son, how many thousand times would I 
rather have raised you in ignorance and made you a 
good, conscientious, Christian man, than to have given 
you all the advantages of education and made you a 
sceptic. What a mistake we have made ! ” 

“ Does education make men sceptical, mother ? ” 

“ No, Morgan ; by no means. But in your individ- 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


87 


ual case you fell in with literature that did not really 
pertain to your studies, and which you would not have 
found at home. With a mind unfortified by the love 
of God, ^mung* and easily moulded, the infiuence of 
those pernicious books over you has been to strengthen 
you with arguments for a false and fatal doctrine ; 
while the teachings of the Holy Scriptui^es you have 
not studied at all.'’ 

Oh, yes, mother, I read the Bible, and I have 
heard it expounded from the pulpit from 11137- 3muth 
up. Now don’t worr3’' over m3^ perverseness. I hope 
I may never do anything that will cause you to blush 
for me.” 

My son, if you were a wilful murderer, and be- 
lieved in the atonement of Christ, there would be less 
to fear than now, for you might repent, be forgiven, 
and saved at last. But if you disbelieve in God, you 
must inevitabl3^ be lost.” 

But suppose I lead such a correct life there will 
he nothing to punish me for, what then ? ” 

You cannot. Such a belief as 3mu foster will 
blacken every act of \mur life, however pure the}’' 
might otherwise be. Oh, my son, you don’t know how 
11137' heart aches for you. Do not let me carry this 
great sorrow with me to the grave. Learn of Jesus 
and let Him cleanse 370U from this sin. Satan and his 
co-workers are deceiving you,” 

Surely your influence and example, mother, ought 
to lead me right,” he said in a conciliating tone. 

But you are not guided, m 37 ^ kind, noble, generous 
boy. How can I give you up to believe a lie, and be 
separated from me forever ? ” 

Well, there, mother, don’t let us talk about it any 
moi'e to-da3^ I am going away after a while, you 
know. Let us talk about something else.” 


88 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


“Morgan, I never broached this subject to you be- 
fore, but in the few months that I have known your 
error, my heart has been full— oh, so full— of sorrow. 
Son, won’t you promise me to repent ? ” 

'‘Mother,” histone was full of earnestness, “ you 
would not have me promise to do that which I cannot 
do honestly ? ” 

“ Then will jmu read this book ? I have read it 
many times.” She took from her pocket a copy, well- 
worn, of the Few Testament, and handed it to him. 
“ Will you read it ? ” 

“ Yes, mother. I’ll read it.” 

“ And I’ll pray for you, that God may enlighten 
your mind and make it the instrument of your salva- 
tion. God alwa3"s has heard me, and I believe He will 
in this, sometime.” 

She stooped and pressed her lips to his forehead, 
and left the room. He put the book in his breast 
pocket — a strang-e companion for an infidel — leaned 
back in his chair and sat thinking. After all there 
was nothing tangible in his meditations ; only a listless 
look of weariness and sad unrest, in the luminous, 
soft, blue ej^es that looked far, far aw^ay, beyond the 
sunny, bright landscape, yet saw nothing'. That even- 
ing found him in B going over his medical books 

with a zeal he had never evinced before. 


CHAPTER X. 

“But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest 
and good heart, having heard the Word, keep it, and bring 
forth fruit with patience.”— Luke viii. 15. 

“ Stella,” said Hariy Elton, one afternoon as the 
two sat together on the poi’ch, he holding a skein of 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


89 


cotton which she was winding into a ball, do you 
know what Morgan Preston reminded me of the other 
evening when he walked with you to to the gate V ' 

I cannot imagine/’ 

Well, he reminded me forcibly of a picture I saw 
once of a little urchin who had been stealing apples 
from a gentleman’s garden. It appears that the 
gardener spied him, and showed a spirit of revenge, 
and the little fellow with his spoils jumped over the 
garden wall, and, while still hanging hy his hands to 
the wall, discovers a savage dog chained right beneath 
him. And there hangs the culprit between two great 
evils, his mind not made up which to face, and no time 
to make it in. Judging from his expression on that 
evening I would suppose Preston to be in a similar 
predicament. I scarcely ever saw such a woe-begone 
face as he carried away with him, and I reckon that 
you were at the bottom of it.” 

‘^Pm sure I don’t know why he should look like 
that.” 

Of course not. Women never know what makes a 
man look miserable.” 

Some of them are naturally so disagreeable that 
they can’t look any other way.” 

But such cases are rare,” spoken with such a 
comical twang to his voice that Stella laughed heartily. 

Come, now, tell me what unpleasant things you said 
to Preston to leave such a rueful expression on his vis- 
age.” 

Nothing unpleasant that I know of, Harry. But 
I can tell you what we were talking about if you think 
it necessary that you should know.” 

It’s absolutely necessary,” with another amusing 
grimace* 


90 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


“ Well, I was simply trying to urge upon him the 
propriety of relinquishing his sceptical views.” 

“Was that it?” and his face at once assumed a 
more thoughtful expression. “ How did you succeed, 
Stella?” 

“ He said nothing that would lead me to believe 
that my words made the slightest impression.” 

“Probably he thinks more than he would like to ac- 
knowledge.” 

“ Harry, I believe he thinks himself honest in his un- 
holy belief.” 

“I can hai'dly credit any one’s honesty in such an 
opinion. It strikes me as willful blindness in this en- 
lightened age. And I am sorry, truly sorry, for the 
fellow seems to have no other fault.” 

“ But that’s such a hideous one. Indeed, I thought 
once, Harry, that I would avoid him as much as pos- 
sible. Do you think it would be right ? ” 

“ For you to avoid him ? No, it would not be right. 
He can do you no harm ; he cannot shake your belief, 
and indeed I don’t believe he wishes to ; and you might 
do him a great deal of good.” 

“ But, Harry, I will fear to approach him again on 
the subject. He is very gentlemanly'^, yet so invulner- 
able. Indeed, I fear that only some serious dispensa- 
tion of Providence will soften his obdurate heart.” 

“ It isn’t all in talking, Stella. Defend your doc- 
trine, of course, if it conies in the way^ but a quiet, 
con.sistent, Christian example is the most convincing 
argument after all. I don’t want to flatter ymu — you 
know me better than to think so — but jmur unpretend- 
ing’ simplicity, your quiet, gentle, firm demeanor, has 
done more toward making me feel that I ought to bo a 
better man than all the sermons I have heard this 
summer,” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


91 


The very solemnity of his words caused the warm 
blood to surge up to her temples, and she said, 

“ Oh, Harry, how I thank Our Father if He has al- 
lowed me to help you ever such a little. How carefully 
I ought to live, and yet I forget so often.” 

You do not need that I should caution you to care- 
fulness, but I do say that you ought not to withhold 
your influence from anyone however slight it may 
seem to you. You do not know whom you may help 
to do right.” 

“ I thank you for what you have said, Harry, and 
will try to profit by it. And I sincerely hope that 
before long you may become an active, zealous Chris- 
tian. I am deeply interested for you.” 

“Why, Stel, I haven’t said so much as ‘confound 
it!’ for two weeks,” spoken with an air of drollery 
which he invariably assumed after talking seriously 
just as long as he intended to ; and Stella, keenly alive 
to the ridiculous, could not for the life of her keep 
from laughing. 

“ Indeed, Harry, you make me ashamed of myself,” 
she said. “ You never talk so earnestly hut you 
make me laugh in the very midst of it. You know 
3'ou ought not to have used that tone.” 

“ Seeing as I have that tone— it’s among my natural 
gifts and graces— I thought it was my duty to use it.” 

“ It wasn’t your duty to make me laugh just then.” 

“ I cannot hold myself responsible for your risibili- 
ties.” 

“How, seriouslj', if you can, Hai’r^’', is it such a sac- 
rifice to leave off saying ugly words ? ” 

“ Yes, it is a sacrifice. I only^ cite it as one little in- 
stance of reformation.” 

“ You will have greater deeds of self-denial to pei-- 
form than that in life,” 


92 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


I may ; but these little daily habits are the hardest 
to shake off. I can give up indulgences that only 
come occasionally with much more ease to myself than 
those that I daily look for from force of habit.” 

‘'There’s strength in your argument, and I surren- 
der without further words. If you are the magnani- 
mous conqueror that I take you to be, you will not re- 
quire me to hand over my arms ; or, in other words, to 
hold my tongue in the future.” 

'' I make no such requirements. You’ll doubtless 
be engaged in many other wordy wars. Don’t girls 
quarrel among themselves right often ? ” 

'' I think not.” 

" I noticed a couple of young ladies in the grove a 
few evenings ago, who, judging from their gestures 
and significant nods and glances, were not agreeing 
precisely on some important subject.” 

“ Nina and I were differing a little wee bit, but I’m 
sure we did not make ourselves so conspicuous as you 
intimate.” 

^'Isay, Stella, has Miss Hudson any serious ad- 
mirers ? ” 

“ None but you, that I am aware of.” 

'' Such sagacity and foresight I have seldom seen 
equalled and never surpassed, and they must not fail 
of their reward.” 

And regardless of perspective hose, the unwound 
cotton dropped to the floor, and he seized both of her 
plump little hands and kissed them vehemently. 
While he was thus rewarding her, the ball rolled down 
the steps, and Stella, drawing her hands away and try- 
ing to look indignant, said, 

" Harry, you are so provoking. See, you are tan- 
gling the cotton dreadfully. What will mother say? 
Go down the steps now, and get the ball,” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


93 


Oertainl3^ Henceforth I am your abject slave ; 
only command me. Youri mother won’t say a word 
when she finds how it happened. You know it wasn’t 
premeditated.” 

That doesn’t alter the case. You should be more 
dignified. I don’t like it.” 

Now these are three distinct propositions. You 
are wrong in the very outset. A fellow doesn’t come 
under condemnation for acting upon sudden provoca- 
tion that way, as he would if he were to do the same 
cold blood. I’ll submit that to any practitioner. 
Now we came to the second proposition. Well, I 
wasn’t constituted with an over- abundance of dignity. 
As to the third, Stel, I think if you’d try you might 
learn to like it. Don’t you think so ? ” 

‘^No ; and more than that, you wouldn’t do so if I 
were Nina Hudson, or anyone else.” 

The skein was all straight now, and the ball nearly 
finished. He looked searchingly in her face to see if 
she really was provoked with him, and answered, 

believe that is so, Stella. I don’t want to be 
prim and dignified with you. No one else seems to me 
like a dear little sister as you do, and I respect and love 
you just as much as if you were my own sister. Now, 
you are not angry 'with me, are you ? ” 

Looking into his open, frank face, she knew that he 
spoke in all sincerity and truth, and she replied, smil- 
ing. 

No, Harry, I am not angry with you, and strange 
to say, I don’t think I ever could be.” 

There’s a dear little girl. Now, I think we have 
established a lasting peace, and I don’t want more lit- 
tle border wars. I’m going away next week. Don’t 
you think it’s time ? ” 




WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


'^1 cannot tell. You know better than I; but we 
will be vei’y sorrj" to see yop. go/^ 

‘‘ That is very pleasant to hear, and if I were not 
very reluctant to go, I should have gone long ago/’ 
‘^It has been a very short summer to me, Harry. 
Now, our work is done. Accept my thanks for ^mur 
generous assistance.” She held the ball in her hands. 

You’re just as welcome as you are thankful. You 
can probably come at the amount better than I can. 
Can I take any message from you to Tod ?” 

“ No ; not for me, certainl3\” 

Don’t you think you had better recall ^mur de- 
cision ? ” 

^ ^ I have not 3^et regretted it. Perhaps he has already 
found the lucky Avoman Avho is to occupy that home of 
wonderful dimensions.” 

It is positively distressing to see young ladies throw 
away good chances like that.” 

Young men, too, sometimes stand in their own 
light. I do not know when you will meet with Nina 
Hudson’s equal again.” 

^‘Probably never. I can’t pretend to sa3^” 

Candidly, Harry, don’t you think she is a superior 
3mung lady ? 

do.” He looked down and caught her keen, 
questioning glance, and laughed merrily. Any more 
catechetical observations ? ” 

But before Stella had time to reply, her mother came 
to the door and said. 

Come, daughter, you’re wantin’ in the kitchen. It 
don’t make no odds about that cotton. You needn’t 
have Avound it. I’m only heelin’ and toein’. Get^mur 
big apron, I want you to skin them tomats. I am 
goin’ to can some this eA^enin’.” 

Stella arose immediately^ and folloAved her mother 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


9 ,^ 

into the kitchen, and Mr. Elton went upstairs to his 
room, spruced himself up a little,” as Mrs. McMurray 
expressed it, and went over to Mr. Preston's and spent 
the evening. The few intervening days soon sped 
a way, and the last evening of his stay came. He and 
Stella had sung together, and now they were having 
t heir good-by chat, for he would leave very early in 
the morning. Stella," he said, I intend to prove to 
you that my summer tvith you and your kind friends 
has been not only pleasant but profitable. I came to 
you a perfect stranger, but I leave a steadfast friend. 
And yon shall see that your good advice has not been 
wasted. I am no longer a helpless, aimless man, drift- 
ing through life, uncertain as to where the current 
may bear me ; but truly soriy for the life that I have 
led, and the time that I have wasted, I have given to 
God the balance of my days, and He has given to 
me a satisfying peace that I have never known be- 
fore." 

I am truly glad — oh, I cannot tell yon how glad I 
am to hear you speak so. Be true to your heart, and 
its convictions of duty, and he will use you, in some 
way, for our good and His glory," 

It was a very imperfect heart that I brought Him, 
Stella, but He has given me a positive consciousness 
that He accepts my offering. Naturally fond of ease 
and gayety, I expect to find it up-hill business for a 
while to conform m^^ life to a religious standard. But 
the Master I am trying to serve will help me. I ex- 
pect to see you again before many weeks, then I will 
tell ;>mu what progress I am making." 

Then they spoke of their hopes and intentions, and 
maii}^ a pleasant time they planned for the future. 
Children as they are, they forget that. 


9G 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


“ Life has man}" a tangled crossing, 

Joy has many a break of woe, 

And the cheeks, tear-stained, are whitest ; 

This the blessed angels knoV.” 

see but the brightness and the sunshine ; the 
rcse-hued and joy-tinted. No gloom, no shadows. 
They forget the heartaches, the pains and disappoint- 
ments ; things fondl}^ hoped for that we never realize ; 
days confidently expected that never come. But God 
knows. Well for us if we can place our hand in His 
and walk confidingl}^ on through darkness as well as 
light, through shadow as well as sunshine. 


CHAPTER XL 

“Light after darkness, gain after loss, 

Strength after weakness, crown after cross, 

Sweet after bitter, song after sigh, 

Home after wandering, praise after cry. 

Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain. 

Sight after mystery, peace after pain, 

Joy after sorrow, calm after blast. 

Rest after weariness, sweet rest at last. 

Near after distant, gleam after gloom. 

Love after loneliness, life after tomb. 

After long agony, rapture of bliss. 

Right was the pathway leading to this.” 

Gently, soothingly, fell the sweet, low voice upon 
the ears of the suffering invalid, and with hungry 
eagerness she drank in the comforting sentiment of the 
song. The place was the rude dwelling where Aunt 
Polly lived who was now a bedridden invalid ; and 
Stella McMurray was the singer. Outside the humble 
dwelling there was another listener upon whom the 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


97 


music produced a different effect. Morgan Preston 
had approached the door ; but upon hearing the voice 
from within, stopped, listened and hesitated. He rec- 
o^gnized the voice at once ; and, on the instant, decided 
to go on without entering; took a few steps in the 
direction of home, then stopped, and said to himself, 
This is cowardly. What do I care ? I’ll go in ; of 
course, I will.” 

In another moment he had opened the door and 
stood inside. His entrance was as much of a surprise 
to Stella as her voice bad been to him. It was the first 
time she had seen him for more than a month, and 
and probably there was more pleasure in the quick 
smile of recognition that she gave him, and the 
slightly heightened color on her cheek than she had 
really meant to convey. However, if it had been her 
intention to lead him to think she was glad to see him 
(and we know it was not) her attempt would still have 
been a failure, for he did not for one instant think that 
his coming caused her any pleasure. He greeted each 
occupant of the room pleasantly and said, 

I am glad to find you so well entertained, Aunt 
Polly,” then placing a paper of oranges on the table 
near her, said, I hope you will enjoy these also.” 

‘^How kind of you to bring them,” spoke impulsive 
Stella, but when the recipient essayed to thank him, 
he interrupted her by saying. 

There, Auntie, you know I don’t want you to be 
too profuse in your thanks.” 

He threw himself into a chair and commenced fan- 
ning himself vigorously with his hat. 

^‘I know ye don’t, honey. Ye’se so proud, Mr. 
Morgie, ye raaly don’t want me to thank ye. But I 
does pray to de good Lawd to take up his abode in 
your kind, feelin’ heart.” 


98 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


Oh, don’t flatter,’’ he said, laughing. You know 
I never take kindl3^ to that.” 

I ain’t got no time for flatterin’, honej\ It’s a get- 
tin too skace. If ye only had the grace o’ God in yer 
heart, Mr. Morgie. It’s all ye need.” 

Why, Auntie, I do the best I know. I do no harm 
to anyone intentionally.” 

Dat don’t ’mount to miffin’ while ye don’t love 
Jesus. Ye must love him, Mr. Morgie. He bought 
jQ wicUhis own bressed life. Oh, hone\^ if I could only 
pick 3"e up in my po’, feeble arms, like I’se done many 
a time when yo’ was a little baby, an’ carry ye to de 
cross o’ Christ, what a bressed privilege I’d count 
it.” 

The outlook was rather ominous for the young man, 
so he cleared his throat and endeavored to change the 
subject. 

You haven’t asked me about my work in the city. 
Auntie. Why, I’ve seen and questioned more sick 
people than a few since I saw you last. And pre- 
scribed, too, in unimportant cases.” And laughing he 
said, I always gave something that I knew couldn’t 
hurt them. But after all, who knows but that I’ll be 
famous, after a while, for curing all manner of dis- 
eases.” 

What shall it profit a man if he gain de whole 
world an’ lose his own soul ? ” 

Oh, I see there’s no escape from a lecture. Really, 
Auntie, I think five lectures in a week are as many as 
I can properly digest. Please let me olf on Satur- 
days.” 

I don’t want to ’noy ye, hone3% but I’se so worked 
up for ye. ’Pears like I don’ want to go to de oder 
world widout carryin’ de news to de bressed Saviour 
dat ye’se washed in His blood. I’se in sight ob de 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


99 


riber, honey, an’ de nearer 1 comes to de sho’ de 
brighter de light streams across.” 

'‘You are a brave woman, Auntie,” he said. 

“ Oh, Mr. Morgie, good an’ kind an’ thoughtful as 
ye’se always been to me, ye don’ give my Saviour de 
credit for nuflin’. It’s Him dat comforts and strength- 
ens me now, chile. Widout de ’ligion oh Jesus I’d be 
a po’, shrinkin’, frightened mortal beggin’ to live an’ 
fearin’ to die. It’s ’ligion that does it, honey. Why 
can’t ye believe it ? ” 

“ Oh, I’m a disagreeable, obstinate sort of a fellow, 
I guess.” ■ 

“ Are ye goin’. Miss Stella ? ” noticing that Stella 
was tying on her hat. 

“ Yes, Auntie, time’s up, as father says.” 

Mr. Preston also arose, and said politely, 

“If j^ou’ll allow me. Miss Stella, I’ll walk with 
you.” 

She nodded her assent, they spoke their adieux and 
went together ; the one, her heart all aglow with an 
ardent, earnest love for God, her life almost a con- 
tinued hymn of praise ; the other, a blind devotee to a 
cold “ First Cause,” which neither he, nor anyone else, 
ever could define, and leave out God. 

It was a lovely November afternoon. An Indian 
summer day — all quiet calm and hazy. The sky over- 
head presented one beautiful, uninterrupted arch of 
pale, dreamy blue, and the bright sunlight came fil- 
tering down through masses of delicatel^^ tinted leaves 
of every imaginable hue, touched by the earlj^ frosts of 
autumn. And in the rocky glen through which their 
pathway lay, the 

“ Yellow lichens colored all the clime, 

Like moonlit battlements and towers decayed by Time.** 


100 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


Doubtless each nature-loving’ soul was observant of 
the beauties with which she had decked herself, but 
neither made any comment thereon. Stella was the 
first to break the silence. 

You gave me a surprise by your unceremonious 
appearance this afternoon.’’ 

Did I ? I knew you were inside the house before I 
entered.” 

By what intuition ? ” 

I recognized your voice.” 

Oh, yes; I was singing. Well, I think I have 
unravelled what has been to me a mystery for 
months.” 

She looked up quizzically into his face to see if he 
understood her meaning. But he only said in Ids 
usual way, 

^‘If I am not inquisitive, ma^T* I ask what has puz- 
zedyou?” 

This : Often upon entering Aunt Poll^^s door, I 
have found that some one has been there playing tlie 
part of the Good Samaritan. Several times I asked 
her to tell me who brought certain delicacies ; but slu' 
would say, ^ Pd love to tell ye, but he made me prom- 
ise not to tell nobody.’ I think I know now. They 
came from the same source that the oranges did.” 

He answered, evasivelj^, 

^^That is only a supposition.” 

‘^Unless you meet it with a denial, I will accept it us 
a certainty. Now, tell me. Have you not brought 
her many an offering such as you did to-day ? ” 

Well, if I have, it is of no moment.” 

Yes, sir, it is. There is a book that says, ^ Inas- 
much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, 
ye have done it unto Me.’ ” 

Just let it pass, then, as one of the very few com- 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


101 


mendable things I have ever done, and we’ll talk of 
something else/’ 

^^No, sir; excuse me, but I don’t want to talk of 
something else. There are two questions I wish to 
ask you. May I ? ” 

CertainljL” 

His lips compressed, and his face darkened. 

You do not believe in revealed religion, yet I find 
you doing exactly what the Bible teaches. Visiting 
the sick, feeding the hungry, comforting the destitute 
with kind words and substantial alms-giving. Tell 
me what prompts you to do this ? ” 

The cause of common humanity prompts me. Miss 
Stella, or, if you choose, simple morality teaches it. 
A man doesn’t need religion to teach him kindness.” 

^‘From whence comes your standard of morality, 
and what does it embody ? ” 

From my own inner consciousness, and it em- 
bodies kindness, gentleness, honor, and a host of such 
things.” 

^‘ Why, that’s just what the Bible teaches. But, 
Mr. Preston, if men held themselves responsible only 
to the bar of their individual consciences, the wheels 
of civilization would soon come to a standstill. Some 
one has written, 

^ If crime is to be repressed, the moral regeneration 
of men must be accepted as possible, and the univer- 
sal reign of mechanical necessity must be denied. 
Let what Christ has taught of man’s nature and des- 
tiny" be denied, let the fact of personal responsibility to 
God be rejected, and I affirm that when men univer- 
salty believe this, social order will have no existence, 
and the human race will be plunged into a general 
pandemonium ! ’ ” 


ia2 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


Education, Miss Stella, is what men need— the 
capacity and the will to think for themselves. They’d 
readil3^ see that there’s no personal advantage to be 
gained by lawlessness and vice.” 

Mr. Preston, you. cannot educate vile propensities 
out of a man. God’s grace can eliminate them ; noth- 
ing else can. The standard to which 3^ou are trying 
to conform your life is a good one, and 3^0 u get it out 
of the Bible. It originated in the Divine mind, was 
given first to Moses, and through him to the world. 
If the moral law is not of divine origin, Mr. Preston, 
isn’t it strange that in all these thousands of years no 
one has been found who could improve it in the slight- 
est degree ? And it fits everywhere— national, state, 
or individual cases. You do not think, do 3^ou, that 
human understanding ever produced such a S3"stem of 
ethics ? ” 

He answered, pleasantly, 

It is a remarkable code, Miss Stella.” He broke 
from its stem a branch of golden rod, which grew 
near his path, and holding it toward her, said, Tell 
me the botanical names of its parts.” 

I never studied botan3",” she replied, as she took 
the brilliant flower from his hand and fastened it in 
her belt. Mr. Preston, you are treating yourself 
with great injustice.” 

How so ? ” 

Working, yet deliberately refusing 3^our reward. ” 

You must be more explicit,” was the smiling re- 

ply- 

What do 3mu expect in return for 3mur correct 
life, and your deeds of self-denial ?” 

The approval of my conscience. Tlitit means hap- 
piness, and that is what we are all seeking.” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


103 


To the sunny soul that is full of hope, 

And wliose beautilul trust ne’er faheth; 

The grass is green and the flowers aiv bright 
Though the wintry storm prevailetli.’ ” 

That is only poetry, Miss Stella. The ^ sunny soul ^ 
can no more live’ on it’s ‘ beautiful trust’ than I can. 
Life means work, and with it we naturally seek pleas- 
ure.” 

Yes, we work, and justice demands compensation. 
Merely an intellectual gratification because we have 
done something for the common cause of humanity, 
doesn’t satisfy the craving of our nature. There’s a 
longing born in our souls that nothing short of immor- 
tality can satisty. Oh, Mr. Preston, if you could but 
realize how you are defrauding yourself. Have faith 
in God, and He say\s, ^ All things are yours, whether 
the world, or life, or death, or things present, or 
things to come ; all are yours ; and ye are Christ’s ; 
and Christ is God’s ! ’ ” 

It was an e’arnest face that met Morgan’s smiling 
gaze, as he said, -after a brief pause. 

Miss Stella, I think 1 deserve sympathy from some 
source. Between you and Auntie I have had nothing 
but lecture this whole afternoon.” 

Just one question more, Mr. Preston, please. You 
mentioned Auntie. What is it that sustains her, and 
causes her to meet death without a shudder? She 
shows no fear, no trepidation.” 

As you know, Miss Stella, the Africans are a very 
emotional race. You had been singing a sweet song 
to her this afternoon, full of pathos and feeling, con- 
sequently her emotions were aroused, and her imagi- 
nations supplied what calm reasoning would fail to 
give.” 

‘‘And is that the only effect her words had upon 


104 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


you ? Oh, that we all have our emotions aroused 
like hers when time, with us, shall be such a small 
consideration. As she said to you a while ago, ^ Why 
cant you believe ? ’ ” 

^^Oh, I^m Gonstitutionall3^ perverse, I suppose, 
Miss Stella. Please don’t let us talk about it any 
more. Let us talk of something on which we can 
agree. I have a piece of news for you. Can you 
guess what it is ? ” 

No, sir.’^ 

‘‘Something that will give you pleasure. "You will 
have comp:in3^ this evening.’^ 

She waited a moment, and then said, 

“ You have been kind enough to tell me this much, 
will 3^ou tell me whom to expect ? ’’ 

“ Do you really not know ? ” 

“I do not.” - 

“Mr, Elton is coming up this evening, I saw him 
3^esterda3^, and he told me so.” 

“ Is he ? I will be glad to see him.” ' 

Mr. Preston was a little perplexed. She did look 
pleased, to be sure, but he had expected a greater 
transformation, and instantly concluded that she had 
been apprised of his coming, and intimated as much, 
not meaning to question. 

“ No,” she replied. “ I had a letter from him this 
week, but he did not say when he w^as coming.” 

“ I expect he intended to give j^ou a surprise, and I 
have thoughtlessl.y spoiled his plan.” 

“ I expect so. That is just like Harry.” 

When the^T- approached the house, she invited him 
to enter, but he declined, and was about to pass on, 
when Mrs, McMurra^' came to the door. 

‘•Laws bless me, Morgan,” she said, “won^t you 
come in ? ” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


105 


‘‘ Not this evening, thank you. Mother will expect 
me home.” 

“ Why, you hain’t been here this long time. The 
boys were talkin’ about it no longer ago than yester- 
day.” 

“ I have but little time at home,” he replied, “ and 
mother is jealous, but I’ll come, thank you.” 

He was very much surprised to find his cousin, 
Nina, entertaining Mr. Elton when he reached home ; 
but surprise gave place to amazement when that gen- 
tleman did not rise to go until nine o’clock. But 
Stella was not surprised . 


CHAPTER XII. 

God’s in his heaven, 

All's right with the world. 

Three months have flown hy since the simple events 
transpired which are related in the foregoing chapter. 
A brief measure of time, richly laden with gladness 
for some, and hope and bright expectations; to others, 
pregnant with sorrow and disappointment and gloom. 
It is midwinter. The snow lay piled in great white 
banks against the fences, and in a shoreless sea of 
brightness over fleld and orchard and lawn surround- 
ing the McMurray homestead. Stella — bright-ej^ed, 
rosy-cheeked Stella — sat at the familiar dining-room 
window with some light needlework near her, but her 
hands were idly clasped in her lap, while her apprecia- 
tive e^^es drank in the beauties of the scene without. 
The declining sun shone brightl3^ on hedge and twig 
and tree, all alike freighted with the feathery white 
mass, until every flake on the encrusted branches 
glistened and gleamed like gems in a royal coronet. 


106 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


Thus she sat thinking* and listening, dreamily ab- 
sorbed, to the sound of the merry bells as they jingled 
by. Ah! joyous youth and maiden, your hearts are 
light and happy to-da^- as you glide over the glisten- 
ing snow, telling oft-told, sweet tales, and reading 
3^our answers in blushing, rosy faces, but there is 
sadness somewliere. In somebody’s breast there are 
heart-throbs of woe to-da^^, and misery and sutfering; 
and all this brightness is mockery, and the shadow of 
death is over it all. Her father came in, and after 
talking jocosely to Stella for a few minutes, tossed a 
letter into her lap and went out. She knew the super- 
scription and quickly broke the seal. She had read 
but a few lines when her face assumed an expression 
of amazement and sorrow. The letter was from Harry 
Elton and she read these words : 

How little I thought when I saw 3"ou one short 
week ago, that I should have such sad news to com- 
municate now. We buried m^^ father yes terda3\ I 
can scarcel.y realize the dreadful truth, as 1 see the 
words gliding from 1113^ pen. It was all so sudden 
that it seems to me we have done everything mechan- 
ically since that dreadful moment. Dear father ! 
alwa3^s so kind and lenient toward me, a wa3^ward 
boy. 1 know 3^ou will be interested, so I will tell j^ou 
all.” 

Then, after a brief and graphic account of his fath- 
er’s sudden death, he said : 

As for me, life has more of realit3^ in it now than 
ever before. Duties and responsibilities for which I 
feel utterly unprepared are thrown upon me. I know 
that I have 3^our S3nnpath3% little sister, and I expect 
to need 3"our kindl3^ advice and counsel.” 

^^Poor Harr3%” thought Stella, as sl;e folded the 
letter and replaced it in its wrapper. How sincerely 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


lor 


I pity him. How will he assume cares and responsi- 
bilities after the care-free life to which he has been 
accustomed ? Then, after a moment she mentally 
answered her own question, But he will prove equal 
to^the emergency. If he is full of life and buoyancy, 
he is also a nian of sterling qualities. Poor Harry ! ” 
she spoke the last words aloud, just as her mother 
entered the room. Noticing the anxious look on her 
face she asked, 

^‘Is an3’'thing the matter, daughter ? ’’ 

Yes, mother, Harry Elton’s father is dead.” 

^'Now, you don’t tell me. That nice old man? 
When did he die ? ” 

^Wery suddenl.y, a few days ago.” 

And look here, Stella,” spoken with animation as 
though the idea had just flashed upon her, ‘^didn’t I 
tell you so ? When old Aunt Polly died, poor thing, 
week afore last, her jints were as limber as could be, 
and I told ye then there’d be three deaths afore long. 
Now, mark niy words, there’ll be another one.” 

Oh, I hope not.” 

^Wery well, now, you’ll see. I tell yon that sign 
don’t often fail. Your poor old grandmother always 
was mighty scared when there was a limber corpse in 
the neighborhood. Poor Mrs. Elton and Harry. I’m 
ver^^ sorrA^ for them. This will set dreadful hard on 
them, no doubt.” 

^^Yes, mother, I wish I could speak a word of 
comfort. Suppose you go and see them, mother.” 

^^Me, child? Why I couldn’t do that upon no 
account. All the bo3"S trowsers want kneein’ and 
seatin’, and then there’s a pile o’ muslin to make up 
besides.” 

Evidenth^ fearing that Stella would press the sub- 
ject, the well-meaning lad3’’ arose and went out, and 


108 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


busied herself preparing supper. But Stella sat still, 
communing with her own thoughts, while the shadows 
lengthened athwart the snow-covered lawn, the sun- 
light gradually faded into twilight, distant objects 
became indistinguishable, the twilight imperceptibly 
melted into starlight, and hundreds and thousands of 
bright twinkling orbs smiled in upon the sweet 
thoughtful face beside the casement. She thought of 
Harry Elton^s darkened home, and its subdued voices 
and saddened faces. Then she saw her friend taking 
up the burden where other hands had dropped it, and 
^'•'this fever that we call living,’’ was now something 
stirring and earnest, and she smiled as she pictured to 
herself Hariy adjusting himself to the plodding 
routine of business. Then, with woman’s character- 
istic intuition she peered^ a little further into the 
future, and saw, to use a comprehensive and practical 
phrase, that Harry would need a wife. Then it 
became very apparent that this would hasten the 
consummation of his marriage with Nina Hudson. 
Indeed her thoughts ran riot to such an extent that 
she even pictured to herself Nina in wedding attire. 
Then her thoughts drifted back to the afternoon 
before old nurse died. Someone had visited her, 
and left immortelles and fruit. It was easy enough 
for Stella to surmise who the someone ” was. The 
least bit of a sigh fluttered up from the breast when 
she thought of him : why, she could not have told. 
She did not even name him in her thoughts ; he was 
only ^Hie and her thoughts just at this moment had 
they been spoken, would have been something like 
this : 

I have not seen him in a long time. What an 
enigma he is. Utterly sceptical, y^et doing Christian 
work ; temperate, benevolent, strictly^ moral, a model 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


109 


son, and a favorite with ever^^body. Not anotlici* 
young* man in all the neighborhood thought of going 
to see old nurse, much less to csirry her dainties and 
dowers. And more commendable still, he takes no 
credit to himself for it, nor allows anyone to know he 
has done a kindness, if by any means he can prevent 
it. But that terrible infidelity,’’ and the girl fairly 
shuddered. ^ ‘ Why he have so many redeeming 

qualities? I could almost wish he had none ! Yet, 
somehow, I cannot help liking him.” Footsteps on 
the crusted snow startled her, and looking out she 
beheld the object of her thoughts just stepping on the 
porch. She did not have time to tone down the bright 
smile of welcome that shone on her face as she ad- 
mitted him. ^^Why, Mr. Preston! I thought you 
would have been enjoying this fine sleighing this 
evening.” 

^^No, Miss Stella, I prefer a delightful fire like this.” 

As she proceeded to light the lamp, she replied, 

Now, don’t give me that old excuse about the cold 
weather. That has exploded long ago. You had a 
better reason than that.” 

Well, perhaps I had,” with a quiet smile breaking 
over his face. Soon after he came in they were in 
vited to tea, and around the table the subject of Mr. 
Elton’s death was discussed at length. After tea he 
and Stella were left to entertain each other. This did 
not seem a disagreeable arrangement to either of them, 
for on general topics their opinions were perfectly 
congenial. And Stella, an earnest searcher after knowh 
edge, dexterously gathered from him many a bit of 
information in the course of an evening’s conversation. 
On this particular evening the^^ had hardly come to 
talking of themselves, when the sound of bells wiis 
heard at the gate, and a meny party of young folks 


110 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


came in, and held what one of the number called a 
regular jollification.’’ Lively conversation, inter- 
spersed with music, became now the order of the even- 
ing. Stella’s brothers came in and made themselv’'es 
generally agreeable to the lassies of the company, 
while her mother passed among them a bountiful 
waiter of cake and apples. Apple seeds were laid on 
the stove two b3^ two, and named for some lady and 
gentleman of the company" ; and whether they flew an- 
tagonistically^ toward each other, or coquettishly in 
the other direction, the result was marked by peals of 
laughter. Some were naming apple seeds by fours on 
the palm of the hand. Stella unconsciously sighed as 
she noticed someone thus occupied. Mr. Preston, al- 
ways observant, noticed what to him seemed an ill- 
timed expression of sadness, and inquired into it. 

‘‘That little by^-play^,” she replied, “reminded me 
of one of Hariy Elton’s mischievous tricks when he 
was here last summer. Then I thought of his pres- 
ent trouble, and I suppose that caused an involuntary 
sigh.” 

Then she told how Harry^ had teased her about Mr. 
Todhunter, and many amusing things he did and said. 
He laughed at the pleasant recital, then said in an 
undertone, 

“ I suppose you were very lonely after Mr. Elton 
went away^” 

“ Yes, sir ; we all missed him very’* much.” 

“ But you, particularly^ I presume.” 

She did not notice the bantering tone in which this 
sentence was spoken, and answered in all candor, 

“ I suppose I did miss him more than any^one else 
in the family^, from the fact that we were thrown to- 
gether a great deal. But we all felt that the house 
was lonelier after he left it.” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


ill 


I believe him to be a very estimable young* man 
indeed ; but will you excuse me, Miss Stella, if I tell 
you that at one time I thought him unpardonably 
changeable.’’ 

1 had given you credit for being a better physiog- 
nomist than that, but I assure you fickleness is en- 
tirely foreign to his character. How came you to 
think so ? ” 

A few months ago I would not have answered that 
question, Miss Stella, nor have given you cause to ask 
it — I think I am not treading on forbidden ground — 
but I regarded you and Mr. Elton then as lovers, and 
was puzzled be3mnd measure when, later on, he began 
to pay attention to Nina. I naturall^^ supposed he 
was playing you false, and expected to see you pine 
awaj" and become a mere shadow ; but there seems no 
danger of such a catastrophe.” 

She laughed a very light-hearted laugh for a grief- 
stiicken girl, and answered. 

You were greatl^^ mistaken, indeed, sir. Mr. Elton 
never plaj^ed the role of lover towards me; his con- 
duct has been uniformly that of a brother, and we 
never for a moment regarded each other in any other 
light.” 

Morgan Preston’s face beamed with pleasure, and he 
was about to reply when one of the jmung ladies in the 
compan^y said, 

Stella, I think Mr. Preston is appropriating youv 
company entirelj^ too much. Do 3"ou know it’s ten 
o’clock and we must go home ? Another piece before 
w^e go, please.” 

She nroseat once and complied, and as soon as she 
had finished an instrumental piece glided into the 
sweet, sacred song : 

“ While the years are rolling by.” 


112 


WHICH SHALL IT ‘BE? 


She sang* it through softly, and with perfect expres- 
sion. Then kind good-nights were said, and the com- 
pany dispersed. 


CHAPTER XIIL 

Great day ! was Mrs. McMurray’s not very 
comprehensive expression, when one morning about a 
month subsequent to his father’s death, Harry Elton 
strode in upon them, all unexpectedly^ as she and 
Stella sat together in the sitting-room, she with her 
everlasting knitting,”, as Harry termed ik, and Stella 
with her sewing. He relished hugely the amazement 
pictured on their faces, and two minutes after he had 
shaken hands with them, and hung his hat and coat 
on the rack, he was perfectly at home. Mrs. Mc- 
Murray dropped a stitch in her agitation just at the 
very climax of ^'turning a heel,” and she threatened 
to dislodge him if he ever should come in again so un- 
ceremoniously. 

They threw conventionalities to the winds, and were 
soon engrossed in animated conversation. Family 
and financial affairs since his father’s death were dis- 
cussed, and he told them of his later experience in the 
counting-room, and he wished to conduct the business 
that had so unexpectedly fallen into his hands. With 
the freedom of an intimate friend, Stella said, 

Harry, I believe you to be honest and sincere; and 
just in the proportion as we love and honor God, will 
we try to serve Him. You are now at the head of an 
important house, can control it as you will, and you 
have young men in your employ over whom 3^0 u exert 
an influence. Make religion a desirable thing before 
them.” 


WHiCH SHALL IT BE ? 


113 


‘‘ How, Stella ? ’’ 

keeping* your heart always toward God, and 
the light of his love will illuminate your life. They 
will see that religion is not something to make one 
gloomj^and taciturn ; hut cheerful and happy-hearted, 
benevolent and patient, standing always upon your 
integrity, and pursuing a straight, even course.^’ 

I will try, Stella.” 

And I am sure you will be steadfast and true, 
Harry, and your example will be noticed and imi- 
tated.” 

In the afternoon when they were alone together, he 
introduced a new topic of conversation by saying, im- 
pulsively : 

Stella, do you know that I am contemplating one 
of the most important steps in life ? ” 

^‘How could I be expected to know it when you 
never told me?” she answered, looking up at him, 
archl^^ 

Your perceptive powers are so keen, I thought 
perhaps you had guessed it.” 

I seldom trouble m^^self to guess out other people’s 
affairs ; what they wish me to know they generally 
tell me.” 

So they do. Well, I am seriously contemplating 
matrimony". Would you have believed it ? ” 

I see nothing remarkable in it.” 

Now, Stel, after making up one’s mind to it, what 
is the next step in order ? ” 

Asking the young lady, I should think.” 

‘^Well,” he cleared his throat very vehementlj^, 
will you marr^^ me ? ” 

She looked into-^his face just for an instant, then 
burst into a merry laugh. 

No,” she said. 


114 


WHICH SHALL IT BE 


^^Why 

Two of the very best reasons in the world — I don’t 
want you and you don’t want me.” 

- Well, Miss Wisdom, whom do we respectively de- 
sire? ” 

You, Nina Hudson ; I, no one.” 

Her random shot took effect, for he colored to his 
temples. He recovered himself in a moment, though, 
and with the utmost sang-froid continued tho subject. 

Let us suppose such to be the case. What, now, 
is your opinion of the 3 "oung lady whose name you 
have mentioned ? Unvarnished, now.” 

‘‘I will answer you honestly, and in a very few 
words. First of all, I believe she is a Christian 
woman. Then she is sensible and accomplished. In 
short, Harr^^ out of all my acquaintances I would 
have chosen her for you had you asked me to make a 
selection. Does that satisfy you ? ” 

Yes, perfectly,” and, as if in corroboration of his 
words he glided into another subject. I saw one of 
your old friends a few days ago.” 

Mine ? To whom do you refer ? ” 

‘‘ Your jilted adorer. Have you forgotten your con- 
quest of last summer ? ” 

Do you mean Mr. Todhunter ? ” 

The very same.” 

You saw him, you say. Well, what of him ? ” 
‘^Nothing, only he’s married.” 

^^Was there really some one who could marry 
him 9 ” 

It seems so.” 

I am surprised, for I always thought him ^ so 
empty, that if there be in nature found the least vacu- 
ity, ’twill be in him.’ But I am glad he has found his 
mate,” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


115 


I expect he is, too. I met him on the street, con- 
gratulated him, and so on. He was unusuallj^ pa- 
tronizing ; pressed me to call and become acquainted 
with Mrs. T.’’ 

Did you call ? ” 

Certainly. I had some curiosity on that point.’' 

^nVell?" 

That one little word ‘well’ comprises your ques- 
tion, but it means volumes. What did she look like, 
what is her size, weight, color of hair and eyes, what 
did she wear and how did she wear it ? How was her 
hair ^ arranged,’ what did she say, and ten thousand 
other things. Well, let me begin : She’s rather a 
handsome woman, large and stout ; she’ll tip the beam 
at a hundred and seventy-five pounds, avoirdupois, 
every ounce of it. Looks ^munger than Tod by several 
years, but I’ll wager she can manage him. Has light 
hair and gray eyes. She wore a dark dress, blue or 
green or something, very elaborately trimmed, and 
her whole manner bespeaks one who thinks she has 
made a good settlement in life. 

“ Very interesting, especially when you describe the 
color of her dress ; but you have left two questions un- 
answered.” 

“ What are they ? ” 

“How was her hair arranged, and what did she 
say ? ” 

“ Stella, a Philadelphia lawyer couldn’t tell you how 
her hair was fixed. A wmman might. It was frizzled 
and fussed and tangled and tumbled, with a bright 
bow pinned on the only place where it would stick. 
Do you get the idea ? ” 

“ Perfectly,” she answered, laughing. 

“ I don’t know whether I can give our conversation 
verbatim or not. I’ll only attempt to give you a gen- 


116 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


eral idea. I alluded to the bridal tour, and asked her 
how she enjoyed the ride up the Hudson. She smiled 
sweetly, and said ^ Oh ! it Avas perfectly lovely.’ I 
then ask('d her if she had ever visited Niagara before. 
She replied in the negative, and I then inquired ‘how 
the first glimpse of the magnificent Avaterfall affected 
her. She smiled more SAveetly, if possible, than be- 
fore, and said, ^ Oh ! I thought it was so sweet.’ This 
subject being exhausted, I then ventured to inquire if 
she had visited a certain .gallery of art in New York 
City. She ans vvered, with a smile of ineffable sweet- 
ness, ' Yes, sir.’ I was encouraged to pursue the sub- 
ject further, and asked if she Avas Avell repaid. ‘ Oh, 
yes,’ she said, ^Ave saAv some real pretty pictures.’ 
Something impelled me to ask : ^ What subject, Mrs. 
'fodhunter, attracted 3^ou most ? ’ After a slight hesi- 
tation she ansAvered : ^ There was a picture of Grant’s 
surrender to Harry Gilmor — I think it Avas — at Appo- 
matox Court House, that I thought AA^as fine.’ I 
couldn’t recall the incident, so I rose to go.” 

Stella laughed merri]3^ 

Hariy, are you sure you are not exaggerating ? ” 

^ ’Pon honor,’ as Tod says.” 

Well, hoAV did Mr. Todhunter deport himself ?” 

Oh, Tod looked Avith admiration and approval 
upon his faithful spouse, and Avisel^^ kept silence.” 

After all, Harry, isn’t she rather an amiable crea- 
ture ? ” 

She has an amiable AA^ay of getting Avhat she 
wants. When I rose to go. Tod took his overcoat off’ 
the rack and said, ^ I Avill go as far as Nelson’s Avith 
you. I promised to meet a party there this evening.’ 
But Mrs. Tod, with one of those bcAvitching smiles, 
merel3^ said, ^ My dear St. George, I am going to the 
theatre to-night, and you. would hardlj^ Avish me to go 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


117 


alone, ^ With surprising* promptness the obedient 
husband hung* up his coat, and said : ^ Ah, yes. Beg 
pardon, Mrs. Todhunter; can go to Nelson’s any time/ 
I then bade the happy couple ‘ Good evening.’ ” 


CHAPTER XIV. 

“The parting is hard, my treasure, 

It will darken my life, I know, 

But the dream I have dreamed was a folly — 

It is better to let you go. 

And I brush from my throbbing temples 
The heavy, clinging hair, 

And smother my anguish, trying 
To believe I do not care.” 

“ Grief walks the earth, 

And sits down at the foot of each by turns.” 

Prometheus Bound. 

When evening came, and Mr. Elton excused him- 
self for a little while to his young hostess, and walked 
over to Mr. Preston’s, Stella, more than half suspect- 
ing the nature of his errand, determined to sit up and 
await his return, saving to herself, I want to be the 
first to congratulate him upon the happiest event of 
his life.” 

So she gathered up her embroidery, drew near the 
fire, and sat down to work, and think, and wait. The 
mother, somehow, seemed slow to succumb to drowsi- 
ness to-night, but at last she, too, yielded to the wil^’^ 
god, retired, and Stella sat there alone. Only a little 
while after this — sooner than she had expected — she 
heard her friend’s steps on the porch. She stirred up 
the fire, then listened and looked at her companion, for 
he had already entered. She gave an involuntary 


118 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


start, and, stepping up to him, laid her hand on his 
arm, and said, in a frightened voice : 

Harry, what is the matter ? ” 

His face was pale and sorrowful, and he sat down 
without answering. 

Harry, tell me, are you ill ? I will call mother.” 

He put out his hand to detain her, and without rais- 
ing his eyes to her face, said. 

No — no, I am not ill. There is nothing the matter, 
Stella, only I have had the bitterest, bitterest disap- 
pointment that ever comes in a man’s life-time.” 

His voice was almost a groan. Stella, almost stupe- 
fied with astonishment, said. 

Why, you don’t mean that Nina has ” and 

hesitated. He finished the sentence, 

''Refused me ? Yes, coldly and decidedly.” 

" For what reason, Harry ? ” 

" She does not love me. That is the only reason in- 
timated. Oh, Stella, I expected such a different 
answer.” 

"You had a right to expect a different answer,” 
she replied, impetuously. "She does love you, 
Harry. She’s testing you too severely ; and its unwo- 
manly.” 

" No, indeed, Stella, she is in earnest.” 

"Then she is not the woman 1 thought.” 

"Don’t say that, Stella. Of course she cannot do 
otherwise. There’s no one to suffer but me, and I can 
bear it as many others have done.” 

"But it isn’t right, Harry, and I say she is to 
blame.” 

"It is your sympathy for me that makes you say 
that, Stella, and I do not undervalue it,” he answered. 
But you will not think so Avhen your cooler judg^ 
ment asserts itself. I do not blame her in the least, 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


119 


and I believe she acted from pure motives, even as I 
believe her to be a true Christian woman. As such I 
respect her, and aiwa3’’s shall.” 

Stella had no repl.y for this. He strode across the 
floor several times, then dropped into the chair that 
she had vacated at his entrance. It is hard to realize 
that this crushed and disappointed and sorrowing man 
is the bright, buoj^ant, hopeful one that we saw a few 
hours ago. She approached him, and, laying her hand 
tenderly on his bowed head, said, 

Forgive me, Harry. I meant to comfort, not to 
wound you ; but 1113^ indignation gained the mastery. 
When I ought to teach 3mu courage, you are teaching 
it to me. I do sympathize with you, Harr3^, and pra3^ 
that you ma3’’ be able to forget her.” 

That is impossible. If I were a boy, with fickle, 
changeable affections, I might. 

Ah, Harr3^ you must not think of sorrowing all 
your life. Women are not worthy of all the regret 
the3’' cause. I’d bend ever3^ energy to overcome it, 
and I’d be master of the situation, yet.” 

She spoke very bravel3% this unsophisticated little 
girl. In a voice that was piteousl3^ calm, he replied, 
Yes, Stella, I’ll overcome it, and this is how I’ll do 
it. Believing that Miss Hudson has acted according 
to the dictates of her heart and conscience, I submit to 
her decision ; and will ask God, who loves me, and 
pities me, to give me something to do for Him, that 
will help me to bear m3" burden with patience. To say 
that I’m disappointed seems like sa3dng nothing in the 
world about it. All m3" future is changed. I couldn’t 
tell you all the bright dreams I have had of a happ3" 
home, with her for its queen. But this ends it all. 
Ah, well, most ever3^ one carries a hidden sorrow, and 
this must be mine.” 


120 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


not speak so despondently, Harry. Behind 
the clouds the sun is still shining. Bear up bravely, 
that she and the world may not know of your g’rief. ” 

I’ll remember your counsel, Stella. You know we 
are never sad, nor hopeless, nor .desponding* when 
actively employed in some live, Invigorating*, God- 
given work. I’ll not allow my feelings to run riot 
again, little sister, as I’ve done to-night. I’ll be 
braver to-morrow. Good-night,” and he took a lamp 
and went to his room. 

Silenced but not convinced, she sat down by the win- 
dow, and, looking out at the bright patches of moon- 
light without, said to herself, 

If I could think as Harry does now, I could have 
spoken differently to him. ‘ Take a woman to know a 
woman.’ is a true old adage. Not love him, indeed. I 
don’t believe a word of it, not a word. For some mys- 
terious reason she is deceiving him. I don’t compre- 
hend It, for I thought she was a Christian girl. I’ll 
•go and see her to-morrow. Perhaps there’s something 
that I can set right. Poor fellow, he is almost heart- 
broken. Oh ! I could shake her good.” 

With this charitable desire still uppermost in her 
mind, she also retired. Mr. Elton appeared at break- 
fast next morning so perfectly at ease that no one 
judged of the storm that had so recentlj^ swept over 
his life. Only Stella knew his secret, and she would 
not divulge it. Not the slightest allusion to the events 
of the previous evening was made b^^ either of them, 
and after the usual kind adieu, Mr. Elton went back to 
the city by the early train. A few hours after, and 
Stella McMurray stood at Mrs. Preston’s friendly 
door. 

Come in, dear,” said motherly Mrs. Preston, 

I’m glad to see you.” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


121 


Thank you. But you are not alone, are you, Mrs. 
Preston ? 

Nina is upstairs, I know you want to see her, so 
just walk rig’ht up to her room. I may as well tell 
you, she is getting* ready to. go home. I don’t know 
what has come over her, I am sure,” and the good 
lad3^ looked perplexed. 

Going away, is she?” Stella was astonished. 
And the expression of astonishment had not left her 
face when she entered Nina’s room upstairs. A bright 
fire burned on the hearth, and Nina’s trunks stood 
open in the middle of the floor, while all the mysterious 
paraphernalia of a feminine wardrobe la^^ scattered 
about in hopeless confusion. Why, what does all 
this mean, Nina ? ” exclaimed Stella as she entered 
and closed the door. 

Nina was standing at the window in a listless atti- 
tude, but started at the sound of her friend’s voice, and 
advanced to meet her. 

Oh, nothing,” she answered, with a forced smile, 
on]^^ I am going home this evening.” 

‘^This evening? Is there anything the matter at 
home ? ” 

No, but I have been here quite along while.” 
^^But you intended to stay until May,” persisted 
Stella. 

Yes, but aunt is lonely and I must go home.^^ 
Stella looked at her in silence for a moment and 
pitied her. She was pale and haggard. There were 
great, dark rings around her eyes, and she looked any- 
thing but happy. She was standing on the rug be- 
fore the Are ; Stella knelt down b}^ her, and placing 
her arms about her waist, after a girlish fashion, and 
looking up into her face, said, 

Nina, don’t equivocate any longer. You’ll only 


122 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


feel the worse by it. I knoiv why 3^ou are going away, 
and I know 3^ou are unhappy. Tell me all all about it 
now, dear, won’t 3’ou? There is a wrong* somewhere 
that may be righted.” 

Nina drew away from her friend’s encircling arms 
and said, haughtily, 

No, there is not. I’ve been here since August, 
and now I’m going home. That’s all there is to 
know.” 

Stella arose and stood smiling before her. 

Now, Nina, dear, don’t try to play off any of your 
stately airs on me. It’s worse than useless, for I’ll 
tell you in the outset, I will not be intimidated nor 
driven from my purpose by them. I am determined to 
make you confess for your own sake, and his and 
mine.” 

You mystify me.” 

Do I ? ” Stella McMurray’s manner changed, and 
she, too, for the moment, was haughty. Nina Hud- 
son, do 3mu think that I came here to pry into your 
most sacred affairs, and urge you to give me your con- 
fidence to gratify an idle curiosity or furnish food for 
gossip ? ” 

‘^No.” 

Her manner had softened a little. Stella approached 
her again, and said in a gentle, winning voice, 

^‘Nina, I love you; and Harry Elton is my warm, 
earnest, personal friend, and did I not think that I 
can do you both a kindness, I would not be here this 
morning asking your confidence. I know the worst of 
it an3^ wuy. Now, will you not tell me why you 
wounded him so ? ” 

What do you know ? ” 

‘‘I know that last evening you refused Harry El- 
ton’s offer of marriage, and ” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


123 


Nina interrupted her with an impatient gesture. 

How do you know this ? I suppose he told you. 
A pretty example of manliness. Did he send you here 
to plead his cause ? ’’ scornfull3^ 

Nina, Mr. Elton is as proud as you are. He has 
not the slightest shadow of an idea that I have taken 
this hold step. Had he known that I contemplated it, 
he would have forbidden it, positively. And he defends 
you, Nina, although you have almost broken his heart. 
He wouldn’t hear me utter a word of blame. You ask 
if he told me ? Yes, and he was not compromising his 
manliness in the least hy doing so. His warm-hearted, 
impetuous nature makes friends where your cold, re- 
served disposition would not, and when one proves to 
be a friend, he is not hidden and distrustful. No dis- 
grace attaches to his part of the transaction, that he 
should refrain from telling me. But I would have 
known it any way, for I can read him like an open 
book.” 

You are so infatuated with him, it is a wonder you 
did not marry him yourself,” Nina said rather spite* 
fully. 

He never wanted me.” 

Well, he acted very much like it.” 

You are entirely mistaken. We understood each 
other perfectly well from the beginning of our acquain- 
tance. We are the the truest and best of friends. 
And I tell you in all candor, Nina, that had Harry 
Elton and I loved each other as husband and wife 
ought to love, I would consider myself the luckiest 
woman in the world to become his wife. Nina Hudson, 
I am firmly convinced that yon are throwing away 
your best chances of happiness.” 

“ Perhaps so.” 

“ Do you intend to tell me why you refused him ? ” 


124 


AVHICH SHALL IT BE? 


As he told you the fact he ought to have told you 
the reason,” icil3\ 

^^He did tell me the reason you assigned to him. 
You gave him to believe that you do not love him, and 
of course, that, to him, is a sufficient reason, and 
would to me, if it were true ; but I don’t believe a word 
of it.” 

Stella, you have no right to say that — no right to 
say that I don’t tell the truth.”’ 

^^Nina, I did not s^y that you absolutely said so, 
but in some way you made Mr. Elton believe it. Now 
I will walk deliberately home without asking you an- 
othe*r question if you will tell me in plain English that 
you do not love Harry Elton.” 

She looked into her friend’s face, sought to prevari- 
cate a little further, but the words died on her lips, 
and the upshot of the matter was, her head sank on 
Stella’s shoulder, and she began to sob aloud. That 
was what Stella had been aiming for, and she smiled 
complacently above the bowed head. The first words 
that Nina uttered were. 

Oh, why was I born to such misery ? ” 

You were not born to it, Nina. Like nine-tenths of 
the people, you are bringing it on yourself.” 

Don’t talk to me that way, Stella,” she was 
humble enough now. Can’t you say something com- 
forting ? ” 

Yes, I can tell you how to undo all the mischief 
.you’ve done. Give Harry Elton to know that he may 
come back. That you did not ” 

She sprang up, frightened. 

No, never — never. Stella, if you ever let Mr. 
Elton know that I gave way thus. I’ll never forgive 
you. Mind, I didn’t say that — I love him. I know 
just what I’m doing. It is best as it is.” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


125 


Then if are so certain you are right, answer 
me the one question that I came to ask. Why did you 
refuse him ? ’’ 

After a little hesitation, 

I’ll tell you, Stella. I can’t trust him.” 

Why can’t you trust him? Did you ever hear 
anything derogatory to his character ? ” 

^^No, but I have discovered for myself that he is 
vacilating and trifling. You know I told you that 
months ago.” 

I know you did, but as you became better ac- 
quainted with him, I thought you. had given that 
chimerical idea to the winds long ago. I have known 
him a little longer than you have, and a great deal 
more intimately, and I know him to be the exact op- 
posite.” 

Nina’s face was all flushed and tear-stained, when 
she said, 

Stella, you need not seek to dissuade me from my 
purpose. I cannot marry him. I cannot trust him. 
Were I to promise, I would doubt his intention of fulfil- 
ling his promise.” 

In a sudden burst of honest indignation Stella said, 

^^Nina, your language is shocking to me, and un- 
just in the extreme. I will not hear any more. I 
would stake my life on Harry Elton’s honor and truth, 
if necessary.” 

But, Stella, I tell you, you are mistaken. It was 
just such a man as he who trifled with Aunt Lovejoy.” 

Here was the solution then of the whole mystery. It 
flashed upon Stella in an instant. The precepts of 
babyhood brought up against the dictates of matured 
reason. Stella did not answer for several mo;nents, 
then she said, 

^‘Nina, you have no right to compare Mr. Elton 


126 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


with the villian who abused your aunt’s confidence. 
You never saw the other party, and all you know is 
hearsay. As I have told you over and over again, I 
knoio Harry Elton to be an upright and honorable 
man. I would trust him under all circumstances, any- 
where, as soon as I would trust myself ; sooner than 
I would trust you.” 

Nina laid her head on the window-sill, and burst 
into tears. 

Why ?” she asked meekly. 

Because your judgment is singularly warped. You 
have nothing in the world to substantiate your false 
idea, yet you cling to it as tenaciously as if it were 
backed by proofs.” 

^‘Stella,” tearfully, there is all the similarity in 
the world between the two.” 

One was a villian, the other a Christian. Is there 
any similarity between those two extremes ? ” 

Mr. Elton has been a professing Christian only for 
a short while. Time will tell how steadfast he will be. 
But both vrere wealthy, both handsome, both gay.” 

Oh, because your aunt was jilted by a handsome, 
wealthy villian, you have no right to think that all 
handsome, wealthy men are like-principled. Because 
he wears a bright, happy face, and has a pleasant 
word for everybod}^ you think forsooth he trifles. I 
tell you, you are jeopardizing your happiness.” 

‘MYell,” raising her tear-stained face, ‘‘I cannot 
act otherwise. I believe I am right. He will soon for- 
get me.” 

I wish he might forget you, but I do not believe he 
ever will. You have ruined his whole life, Nina, laid 
all for foolish prejiidice.” 

Stella, this is cruel, indeed it is.” 

Well, it’s true, any way. I pity him more than 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


127 


you, Nina ; for j^ou, who have done wrong, can undo 
it, and will not.’^ 

‘‘ You will find that you are mistaken. He will forget 
me in a little while ; and in the years to come, some 
plain, honest man may give me his heart.” 

Plain, honest fiddlestick. I have no patience with 
such talk. I only pity^' Harry from the depths of m^^ 
heart. I am going home now. Do you positively for- 
bid me to hint to him that you might see him again ? 
This is my last appeal, and I entreat you, for your 
sake and his, think before you act.” 

I do most positively forbid it, Stella. I am doing 
the only thing that is left me to do.” 

It were wasting breath to tell you that I hope you 
will not regret this rash decision, for I know you will. 
Forgive me if I have spoken too plainly or harshly. 
Good-bye.” 

Stooping, she kissed the weeping girl, then hurried 
down stairs and home. And Nina Hudson packed her 
trunks, her uncle took her to the station, and that 

evening found her at home in H . She dutifull^^ 

told her aunt the circumstances that had shortened 
her visit, and Miss Lovejoy assured her that she acted 
judiciously and well. 


CHAPTER XV. 

What is philosophy if it impart 
Irreverence for tlie Diety, or teach 
A mortal man to set his judgment up 
Against his Maker’s will.’’ 

Kirke White. 

Nina Hudson’s sudden disappearance from the 
neighborhood created a theme for conjecture and con- 


128 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


versation for a few but it was a very limited 

number who knew or guessed the real cause. And 
Morgan Preston was astounded, too, when he came 
home on the Saturday following, and found upon in- 
quiring that she had arisen and departed.” His 
mother, like others, could onl^" surmise — thought Mr. 
Elton implicated in some way, for Nina had no thought 
of going until after he came and went. This much she 
told him. 

Stella McMurray came in on the morning before 
she left. They talked quite a while up-stairs, but I 
know nothing of the nature of the interview.” 

Ah ! did she? Then perhaps she can throw some 
light on the subject. I will call and see her this even- 
ing.” 

So, armed with his cousin Nina’s sudden departure 
for an excuse, we find Mr. Preston in the parlor of Mc- 
Murray’s, quietly awaiting Miss Stella’s appearance. 
She came in presentlj^, looking sprightly and winning 
as usual. Showing that the subject was still upper- 
most in her mind, soon after her entrance she re- 
marked, 

“ I suppose you were surprised when you came home 
and found that Nina had fied ?” 

was, indeed. I am nowon the search of evi- 
dence that will justify her in leaving so unceremoni- 
ousl^L So far, the subject seems enshrouded in mys- 
tery. ” 

‘ Did jou think I could give you such evidence ?” 

thought it (Juite possible. Mother said you 
had a lengthy conversation with her just before she 
left.” 

‘‘Yes; I did. But if you seek for evidence to 
justify her, as you say, you will be disappointed in 
mine.” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


129 


^^You alarm me. Has my dignified cousin been 
guilty of a misdemeanor ! 

Laughing, Stella replied, 

^‘1 am afraid she has."’ 

Well, let us proceed with the case. I summon yon 
to the witness stand. Now, Miss Stella,” laughingly, 

want you to tell me all j’^ou know about Cousin 
Nina’s flight.” 

I do not acknowledge the authority of this court.” 

Am I so unskilled in jurisprudence as this?” he 
retorted. Well, you will at least tell me, Miss Stella 
of what you think Nina guilty.” 

To talk seriousl}^ Mr. Preston, I think her guilty 
of something that has the appearance of flirting.” 

Impossible. Nina would never stoop to that.” 

‘‘No, I do not believe she would, promiscuousl^L 
But Mr. Preston, she has treated Mr. Elton very un- 
fairly.” 

“As I know nothing whatever in regard to the oc- 
currence of which you are cognizant, I cannot express 
an opinion. I do not even know what relation they 
hold to each other.” 

“I will tell you, but I want this distinctl}" under- 
stood that did I not think 3'ou would lay the blame of 
this strange transaction where it does not belong, if 
kept in ignorance of the facts, I would not repeat what 
concerns an^^' of the immediate parties.” 

“ If you pi'omised secrec}^ Miss Stella, I certainly" 
would not ask 3^ou to break 3^our word.” 

“ Oh, no, sir. I promised nothing of the kind.” 

Then she told him the simple facts in the case with- 
out entering much into details. 

“And she refused him?” he said in astonishment. 
“ Well, I cannot but think that Nina believed she 
was doing exactly right, but Miss Stella, if she was not 


130 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


fond of him then appearances never deceived me more 
in my life.’' 

Mr. Preston, do you think Harry Elton a man who 
would make a promise of marriage without an un- 
changeable purpose of fulfilling it? ” 

No, I do not. But in Nina’s case we must remem- 
ber she was educated to that opinion of men in general ; 
and of Mr. Ellon’s type in particular.” 

‘‘ I cannot understand how a girl of her intelligence 
could be educated to such an absurdit^^ And even if 
we admit that, still she is not clear of blame in this 
matter. If she thought him a man unfit to be trusted, 
wh 3 ^ did she encourage his attentions ? ” 

“ I can only conjecture. But I still think she cared 
for him more than she wmuld like for us to know, 
although she has acted so strangely. Probably she 
thought it never would come te a proposal.” 

‘^ Mr. Preston, he would scorn to do as she has done. 
He gave her the best love of his life, and she coolly 
tram pled, on it. Why did she not give him to know 
her unfounded opinion of him long ago ? A very slight 
insinuation would have been sufficient for a man of his 
susceptibilities. Indeed, I quite lose patience with her 
when I think about it. Her Christianity ought to hav^e 
taught her better.” 

He did not reply, but smiled in a quaint, meaning 
way. They were sitting on the sofa and his face w^as 
turned toward her. She looked at him searchingl}^ for 
a moment ; he bore her scrutiny quietl^^, kindly and 
still smilinglj^ Then she said, 

‘^1 see by your face that you doubt the power of 
Christianity to keep one alwa^^s in the right path.” 

Is that all you read, Stella ? ” he asked in a low, 
gentle voice. 

Ah ? my usually firm, demure, self-possessed Miss 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


131 


McMurray, what makes the rich, warm blood suffuse 
your face to the very tejuples, and even the little pink 
finger-tips tremble as they fly around the soft, white 
zephyr you are weaving ? That was a very common- 
place sentence, indeed, but your remarkably well- 
regulated heart throbbed with an intense and new 
pleasure when you heard it. Why? Because this is the 
very first time since you were children that he has 
called you by your Christian name ; and then there 
was sohie thing — an indefinable something — in the 
tender voice that has strangely revealed to you the 
fact that he is very dear to you. Yes, dearer than 
anyone else on earth. Your confusion is but for an 
instant, and you think he does not define your 
thoughts ; but he does ; and a smile of glad content 
hovers about the features whereon rested a moment 
ago one of eager inquiry. For his question meant liter- 
ally this, Do you not read that I love you, Stella ? ’’ 
No, your confusion is solely the result of the revela- 
tion which your own heart has just made to you. 
And fearful lest he should comprehend, you answer 
quickly, spoke hastily, Mr. Preston. A person 
may be a sincere Christian, yet err in judgment. What 
I meant was this : Had Nina asked herself seriously 
the question, ^ Am I doing right in permitting his at- 
tention ? ’ her conscience would have guided her better 
than this.” 

A well-disciplined conscience seldom leads astray.” 

What is conscience, Mr. Preston ? ” 

^^An innate principle that distinguishes between 
right and wrong.” 

How do we educate conscience ? ” 

By encouraging right and condemning wrong.” 

If there is no living, reigning, supreme God, unto 
whom we are personally responsible, why is one thing 


132 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


right and another wrong ? Against whom do we sin 
when we choose to do evil ? ’’ 

Against ourselves and bur fellow-creatures/’ 

To the unregenerate heart revenge is sweet. If 
we wrong our neighbor he may retaliate in like 
manner, and thus get even. And if we believe there 
is no just judge to right our wrongs hereafter, this 
we will certainly do. Into what social condition 
would such a state of feeling, if general, soon plunge 
us ? 

But we cannot take revenge upon ourselves, Miss 
Stella, and wrong-doing recoils upon the perpetrator. 
When men are educated to see that vice brings its 
own punishment, both to our moral and physical na- 
tures, they will be slow to commit evil.’’ 

Mr. Preston, because in your moral nature, kind- 
ness and forbearance predominate, you forget that 
with the masses it is different. Bittefness, wrath, 
env^:^, murders, jealousies, evil-speaking, with a host of 
kindred feelings, are rooted in the human heart. Will 
education hold these things in check ? ” 

To a great extent, yes. Mental development, if 
it teach a man anything, will teach him self-respect ; 
and he will suffer much before he will outrage that.” 

Still your words imply a limit. There may come 
an occasion when all these ugl}^ hideous little spirits 
will overleap their bounds, then misery follows for 
somebody. And this ma^^ happen to the man with 
the best mental equipment possible, if destitute of 
God's regenerating grace. But take a man, no matter 
how ignorant in other respects, who loves God, and 
whose heart is permeated with Bible religion, and 
when the temptation to evil comes, his religious na- 
ture will answer with an unalterable ‘ No,’ because 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


133 


those ugly spirits have given place to meekness, 
gentleness and love.” 

^^Miss Stella, I have a better opinion of the world 
than you seem to have. I believe there’s more gentle- 
ness and goodness in mankind, naturally, than you 
give him credit for. The great difficulty is that many 
cannot be brought under the refining influences of 
education.” 

I am so glad that religion can teach every one of 
them, Mr. Preston; and for a refining element noth- 
ing that has ever been tried can compare with it. It 
brings out the very best that's in a man. But there’s 
one peculiarity about your belief that I’d like to call 
your attention to. May I ? ” 

Certainl3^” 

Your model man is the one who conforms his life 
most nearly to the Bible standard. Why is it that 
you admire its doctrines, yet deny its authorship?” 

Because a correct moral life is the very best for a 
man in every way ; and such a life, 1 must admit, the 
^ Bible teaches.” 

Is not more than human intellect required for the 
perfecting' of such rules as have never been surpassed 
for the general promotion of the good and happiness 
of the human race ? ” 

Very pleasantly he answered. 

Now, Miss Stella, you are asking puzzling ques- 
tions.” 

Oh ! my friend, ^mu are starving your life. Turn 
where there is bread. AdmiL that Jesus Christ, the 
central figure in Bible history, came into the world to 
compass its redemption, open your heart to His love, 
and 3 mu will find therein treasures of which you never 
dreamed. Without Him you are leading a burdened, 
fruitless, aimless life. I am incapable of arguing wit ri. 


134 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


you, for I know almost nothing about scientific prin- 
ciples with which you are conversant ; but I do know 
there is truth in the revelation of Scripture, and I 
deeply deplore the mental darkness under which you 
are living.” 

I cannot be in darkness, Miss Stella, when my 
opinions are based on self-evident truth.” 

But how are you narrowed down by this self- 
evident truth !. How are all the longings of human 
nature that are just as natural to us as to breathe, 
dwarfed and deadened by tenets so cruel and unsat- 
isfactory ! ” 

I admit that your religion is more beautiful and 
satisfactory to those who can believe it.” 

"‘ Why not believe it when it is a thousand times 
more natural than your own ? JEvery day you live 
3'OU tortui^ into silence that earnest longing for im- 
mortality that glows in the breast of every mortal.” 

""But if I cannot prove that I am immortal, I do 
not wish to believe it, and be deceived at last.’ ’ 

"" Why, you have nothing, to lose in believing it, Mr. 
Preston. And may not the very fact of our having 
this great unconquerable horror of death and disso- 
lution so strong within us, prove that we are im- 
mortal. God would not have implanted in our nature 
so strong a yearning for the unattainable.” 

""But you cannot prove this. It is onl^’^ a theory 
based on the existence of certain natural feelings.” 

""What can you prove? Tell me why you live, 
moment by moment aad 3^ear by year.” 

"" By breathing ; one of the simplest laws in nature. 
If you have forgotten it, I can give you Paley’s ex- 
planation of the process, word for word,” he answered 
pleasantly, thus seeking to draw her from the subject. 

""I have not forgotten,” she answered, ""but 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


135 


your philosophy never taught you why that process 
prolongs life. Why do all the little organs that con- 
stitute the eye when placed in their proper order 
produce sight ? ” 

“ That the eye is the organ of sight is a self-evident 
truth. We can analyze its parts and see the cause 
that produces the effect.” 

“But you cannot explain it. You know that the 
fact exists, but you know absolutely nothing about 
the why and wherefore. And, Mr. Preston, there are 
so few things that can be proven. Even scientists 
correct each other. Some years ago geologists told 
us that the world is still in its infancy, although 
inconceivable millions of ages had been necessary to 
bring it to its present state of completion. Now I 
read that ‘astronomy has discovered this absolutely 
certain fact, that this whole planetary system of ours 
shows within itself signs of decay, must be coming to 
an end, must one day come to an end ; that the heat 
of the sun which animates the world is gradually 
decaying ; that our planet is gradually cooling, shrink- 
ing down from the globe of liq^uid matter it once was, 
until, as times and ages go on, it shows it is to become 
dead and cold and lifeless, like the moon that lights 
the earth.’ So geology and astronomy differ, and I 
find nothing so positively demonstrated as that God 
lives and reigns. Look out of the window, Mr. 
Preston, at the clear sky so thickly sown with stars. 
A poet sat at his window one night and wrote this : 

“ 'Thou proud man, look upon yon starry vault. 

Survey the cloudless gems which richly stud 
The night’s imperial chariot. Telescopes 
Will show thee myriads more, innumerous 
Than the sea-sand, each of those little lamps 
Is the great source of light, the central sun 


136 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


Round which some other mighty sisterhood 
Of planets travel, every planet stocked 
With living beings, impotent as thee. 

Now, proud man, now where is thy greatness fled, 

What ai’e thou iu the scale of universe ? 

Less, less than nothing.’ 

What of that, Mr. Preston ? ” 

“ An eloquent speculation, Miss Stella. Poets are 
always visionary and speculative, you know.” 

“No one is visionary when paying his homage to 
the Great Creator. God and immortality are certain- 
ties. It is you who speculate,” still looking out of the 
window she repeated reverently, “ ‘When I survey the 
heavens, the work of Th3'' fingers, the sun and the 
moon which Thou hast ordained, what is man that 
Thou art mindful of him ?’ How can you look upon 
the firmanent to-night and not acknowledge his handi- 
work ? She looked earnestly into his face and adis, 
“ Oh, Mr. Preston, I tremble for you. I beg of you 
cease groping your way through life, clinging blindly 
to a theory that brings you only death and corruption 
and annihilation, while there are sunlight and life and 
heaven within j'our reach. Believe on the Lord Jesus 
Christ and be saved. Believe that he created and sus- 
tained you and redeemed .you.” 

“ I wish I could believe it,” slowly. 

“ Throw to the winds your ruinous creed. Accept 
the Bible as the Word of God. Accept the glorious 
doctrine of the Atonement. Christ suffered and died 
for us, washed us in his own blood, b^*^ his stripes we 
are healed and justified by faith in his redemption. Do 
.you not see and believe ? ” 

He was get ting into a strait. He could not return 
argument for persuasion ; he could not sa.y again, “ I 
do not believe in the doctrine of the Atonement, nor 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


13; 


in the Divinity of Christ, because I cannot compro' 
hend them/’ while she was so earnest and sincere, and 
deeply interested for his safet3^ So he parried the 
question saying-, 

meet with professing Christians, Miss Stella, 
who say plainly by their lives that they practise a de- 
lusion.” 

How ? ” 

By their inconsistencies. They are either deluded 
or hypocritical ; which do you call it ? 

‘‘Neither. ‘ Criticism ii^ the surgeon’s knife on the 
dead body of Religion, which misses the soul.’ And 
it is not fair to judge the class by those exceptional 
cases.” 

“ When 3'Ou come to sift the churches, Miss Stella, 
I do not know that 3"ou will find them to be the excep- 
tional cases.” 

‘^You cannot be a competent judge of another’s 
actions, Mr. Preston. Onl^^ God can look in ever^- 
direction at once, and read our lives without a mistake. 
One ma3" be prompted by a good motive to an action 
that would seem to ^mu from the result, inconsistent 
with religion. You cannot read another’s heart.” 

We must judge men \)y their lives. Miss Stella. 
Some things are too palpable for us to mistake them. 
I do not wish to be uncharitable, and I make it a rule 
not to speak of another’s faults unnecessarily, but to- 
night I claim an indulgence.” 

^‘The fact of their inconsistent lives does not 
strengthen your argument, Mr. Preston. The.y, like 
you and I, will be brought face to face with God, one 
daj^, and these things will confront them there. Such 
examples are deplorable, I knew, but I need not 
emulate them.” 

How about those who, while making no profession 


138 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


of religion, lead blameless, peaceable, honest lives ? 
Will they not share in the reward that you believe 
awaits the good ? ” 

^Except ye be converted and become as little child- 
ren, ye can in nowise enter into the kingdom of heaven.* 
A little child is innocent, humble, tract! ble, trusting, 


simple-minded, capable of receiving impressions, of ' 
being moulded and fashioned according to God’s will.” \ 
Where do you find such, Miss Stella ? ’’ < 

There are plenty of them. Good, honest-hearted J 
Christians, who, if 7iecessary, would walk to the stake v 
to-day. Oh, Mr. Preston, do not allow such insignifi- :: 
cant causes to keep you out of your inheritance. > 
Come into the light and see what ample provision j 
God has made for your perfection and happiness.” ! 

Miss Stella, believe me, I am honest in this. I ad- s 
mire your beautiful faith, but I cannot comprehend it. ; 
We never can agree on this subject. Do not let us 
talk about it again.” ' 

I cannot promise that. I would compel you to be- ;; 
lieve, if I could.” 1 

He laughed at her earnestness as he rose to go. 
will try to divert your attention from this topic 
when I come again.” ■ 

The moment the door closed upon him she went to ^ 
her room, sat down before the dying embers on the 
hearth, thinking, thinking a long while. ; 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


139 


CHAPTER XVL 

man without some sort of religion is at least a poor 
reprobate, the football of destiny, with no tie linking him to 
infinity, and the wondrous eternity that is begun within him ; 
but a woman without it is even worse — a flame without heat, 
a rainbow without color, a flower witliout perfume.” 

Ik Marvel. 

It is summer-time again. Just such a bright, joy- 
ous, luxuriant summer as it was a year ago. But the 
sweet, entrancing music of nature awakens hut a 
mournful echo in the heart of »one of our characters, 
who was bonniest and blithest of all only one little 
year ago. To Harry Elton time has dragged heavily 
of late. Trouble sets hard with one of his peculiar 
temperament. As unexpectedly as the fierce tornado 
does its work of death and desolation had his best 
hopes been riven. And he had hoped so much. With 
his fervent, honest nature, it was impossible for him 
to wear already a smiling face. So those who knew 
him inti mate] 3% knew that his heart was very sad. 
Some attributed it to the loss of his parent ; and that 
indeed to him was a heav}^ affliction ; but few knew of 
this other blow that had fallen with such blinding 
weight upon him. Yet these months of trial were not 
lost to him. His conduct since he has taken his 
father’s business, has been one straight, unvar3dng 
line of honor, promptness and integrit3\ Out of the 
score of young men in bis emplo}^, not one would have 
spoken but in his praise. His example was one of 
such unmistakable purit3^, that they could not do 
otherwise than love and respect him. The3" feared to 
disobey him, too ; for the laws of his house were rigid 
in regard to dissipation or dishonorable conduct, and 


140 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


those who had hitherto yielded occasionally to loose- i 
ness of habits, feared to indulge themselves now lest 
they be turned from Mr. Elton’s employ. This would ^ 
undoubtedly have been the case had any lawlessness 
been proven. And of a truth, he ‘^gathered up the ■ 
fragments of time that nothing be lost.” By personal 
effort he has gathered up from the b^^ways and alleys 
a number of ragged, neglected, outcast boys, and with 
these he has founded a mission school ; from his own 
purse furnishing them with appropriate clothing. 
Through the week his interest in his class does not 
abate, but he joins his effort with theirs to find them 
employment. Thus actively engaged in Christian 
work, he leaves himself no time for idle mourning, and 
wins the confidence and respect of all who know him. 

Now let us take a passing glance at Nina Hudson. 
We find only a tired-faced girl, walking listlessly over 
the same route at certain hours of the da^", as regular- 
ly as the da^^s come around. She is teaching school. 

At the McMurra}^ homestead there are no boarders 
this summer to claim their attention. So Mrs. Mc- 
Murray sits and knits during the long afternoons, 
and^' Stella finds much more time to spend with her 
books. This afternoon we find her equipped Tor a 
walk, and as she passes through the room where her 
mother is sitting, she volunteers this bit of informa- 
tion, 

I am going over the hill, mother, into the wood, 
to gather the mosses for my hanging-baskets.” 

Now, don’t go a pokin’ about the woods, and get 
your hands all torn with the brambles, or snake-bitten, 
ma^^be. ” 

^^No, mother,” and she steps out into the sunlight. 

Down the familiar footpath toward the opening, past 
the bars, and through the narrow lane that led into 


WHICPI SHALL IT BE 


U1 


the great wood. She ascended a hill ; then stopped ;; 
few moments, and turned around to take in the prellv 
rural picture. Just down in the hollow below hej- 
nestled the dear old farm-house, her home. To the 
left stood out in the distance here and there, a white 
farm-house, and the public road winding its zig-zag 
course over hill and vale, like a thread upon a green 
carpet, and disappearing upon the summit of the hill 
whereon stood the little school house, within whose 
walls she had struggled through the first rudiments 
of her education. She turned around again, and re- 
sumed her walk. She gathered a little cluster of wa^^- 
side fiowers, and fastened them in her belt. The air 
seemed vocal with the songs of birds as they twittered 
to one another among the interlacing branches. So 
thoroughly did she enjoy all this that she well-nigh 
forgot her errand, until she came suddenly upon a 
little bed of soft, velvety moss, just the thing she 
wanted. Just at the foot of the hill ran the merry 
little brook she loved so well, and saying to herself, 
I will go and hear it talk awhile, and gather this as 
I come back,” she, without taking the longer and 
easier route, climbed down the rugged hillside, and 
stood on the bank. She smiled to see the refiection of 
her own sweet face in the clear, limpid water, and in 
a low, soft voice, scarcely loud enough to be heard 
above the gurgling of the brook, she sang — 

‘ I chatter over stormy ways, 

In little sharps and trebles ; 

I bubble into eddying bays, 

I babble on the pebbles. 

“‘With many a curve my banks I fret, 

By many a field and fallow ; 

And many a fairy foreland set 
With willow- weed and mallow. 


142 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


“ ‘ I chatter, chatter as I flow, 

To join the brimming river ; 

For men may come and men may go, 

But I go on forever, ever, 

I go on forever.’ ” 

The sound of her voice quickly died away among 
the hills, but the brook sang on. Drawing her white 
shawl a little closer around her, she stepped over on 
the broad white rock, and sat down in her accustomed 
nook. Then she untied her hat and hung it on the 
limb of a sapling that bent over near her. She amused 
herself by dipping her hand in and out of the water 
to see the little ripples float away. Wearying of this 
she leaned her head upon her hand, and lulled hy the 
restful voice of the water, was soon lost in delightful 
reverie.* What a glorious picture she made of youth 
and jo3"ousness and beauty, as she sat there perfectly 
unconscious of observation. Has she forgotten that 
this is Saturday afternoon ? 

Morgan Preston, out for his customary stroll, es- 
pied a hat with white ribbons tied to the bough, and 
knowing this to be a favorite haunt of Stella’s, readil}^ 
surmised that she was the owner of the aforesaid head- 
gear, and turned aside to see. She did not become 
aware of his presence until he stood quite near her, 
and said in a cautious undertone, 

Nymph of the woodland glade ! ” 

She started and looked around. He laughingly ap- 
proached then, and said, 

^'Miss Stella, you looked so like a veritable wood- 
inunph I feared the sound of a human voice would 
frighten you away.” 

Do not be alarmed, Mr. Preston,” she replied, ris- 
ing. am perfectly accustomed to the sound of 
human voices. But how came you here ? ” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


143 


^‘Trespassing* on your preserves? Well, I was 
passing* nearby and saw what I hailed as a flag of 
truce floating in the breeze over your fortress, and con- 
cluding that you could not make war with me while 
those colors are flying, I came across. And that ac- 
counts for m^^ breaking in upon your meditations so 
unceremoniously. Were they of a weighty charac- 
ter?” 

“ Oh, no, sir,’’ laughing. “Now, pardon me if I 
hand back the question, and ask how came you 
here ?” 

“ Sheer laziness, I think, and want of ambition for 
an3^thing else. Praiseworthy motives, jmu’ll admit, 
I am sure.” 

“ I understand those symptoms well. But let us sit 
down. Here is a right comfortable seat, considering 
that art had nothing to do with its construction. 
Now tell me, sir, how you admire my sjdvan re- 
treat?” 

“ It is a charming little spot, indeed. If that little 
strip of sandy beach there could only be extended for a 
mile or so, what a promenade it would afford.” 

“ Yes, equal to that at Tenb\% in Wales — one of 
nature’s finest. But I am determined to imagine that 
we excel in scenery, if Tenby can boast of the best 
promenade.” 

“ Let us be practical, Miss Stella, and admit that 
although jmur imagination stretches easily, the prom- 
enade does not, and like the sour-grape stor^^, make 
the best of it.” 

“ I hope you don’t think I am dissatisfied.” 

“ You don’t look like it, certainly.” Then after a 
moment’s silence, he said, “Did you know I intended 
coming over this evening ? ” 

She answered, smiling. 


144 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


Indeed, sir, I had not the slightest idea of it. I 
seldom hold receptions here.’’ 

He laughed. 

^‘No, not here, hut at home.” 

‘‘Well, no sir, again. You didn’t say you were 
coming, did jou ? ” 

^‘No, but tell me, did you not expect me just a 
little?” 

Then the color for a moment swept over her face, 
and she looked intently at the clean-looking pebbles 
under the water ; for she Avas thinking of it at the 
very moment when he came up. 

“ Yes, a little,’' she answered. 

“Why ? ” he questioned. 

“Ob, just because you are in the habit of coming, I 
suppose.” 

“ Do you think I have no better reason ? ” 

She answered gravel3", 

“ I do not know, Mr. Preston, and surmises are apt 
to be incorrect.” 

“ Surel^T”, Stella, you haA^e divined the meaning of 
my visits.” His voice Avas Ioaa" and earnest, and she, 
half-divining, 3"et doubting, said nothing. He took 
one of her hands in his oavii, and said, “ This is why I 
come. Because I love 3"ou, Stella. Could there be a 
better reason ? ” 

His tender voice and gentle touch caused eA^er3" fibre 
of her being to thrill with intense jo3% but all in an in- 
stant a spasm of pain shot across her features, and she 
said faintly, 

“ Oh, don’t, Mr. Preston, tell me that.” 

He could not see her half-averted face, and taking 
both her hands in his, said tenderl3% 

“ Why should I not tell yon that I love yon, Stella ? 
No more sacred feeling ever lived in a man’s breast 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


145 


than my love for you, and I have silentl3^ cherished it 
for so long* that it has grown stronger than my will, 
and now I must speak. She feebly attempted to 
withdraw her hands, but he only held them closer, and 
in a voice peculiarly soft and low, said, No, you can- 
not take them away until you have promised to give 
them to me. ‘Will you not, Stella ? I am vain enough 
to believe that you have not succeeded in shutting me 
out of your heart.’’ 

"With a piteous appeal in her luminous e3^es, she 
said, 

‘^Oh, Mr. Preston, please do not tell me this.” 

Wli3^, Stella? ” he asked in surprise. 

‘ ^ Because it never can be.” He smiled incredulousl.y, 
but released her hands. She stood before him tremb- 
ling with every feeling of her heart fighting against 
her words. In a voice almost inaudible she said, “We 
are not suited to each other.” 

“Why are we not, Stella?” he answered in a 
grieved voice. Tr^dng to be very brave she answered, 

“You know we should be one in heart and mind, 
but we differ widely in our religious views.” 

A smile broke over his face again as he approached 
her, and said, 

“Is that all? We will not allow that to separate 
us. All the best hopes of m3" life are centered in 3mur 
love, Stella, and I will not be circumvented b3^ a trifle.” 

He spoke almost sternl3^. 

“ It, is not a trifle, Mr. Preston ; it is an insurmount- 
able barrier.” 

“ Not unless 3^011 wilirun3^ make it so.” Then speak- 
ing in the tender tone that goes right to a woman’s 
heart, he said, “ But you will notallow a mere differ- 
ence of opinion like that to outweigh all my love for 
you.” 


146 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


Assuming all her self-command, she answered, 

"Mr. Preston, my conscience and my Bible expli- 
citly teach me not to enter into a union where soul and 
sentiment differ so widely as yours and mine. Do you 
not see we could never be happy ? 

‘^No, I do not. I assure you I would not wish to 
interfere with your religious habits and belief. You 
should be as free as you now are. I would not, if I 
could, unsettle your faith. On the contrary, I sin- 
cerely admire it, and honestly wish that I could think 
as 3"ou do. Now, could we not be happy ? ” 

How could I be happy,’’ she spoke vehemently, 
knowing that your soul, at bitter emnity with God, 
must inevitably be lost, and seeing continually before 
my eyes that awful, eternal separation ? ” 

" Stella, if there is any human influence that can, in 
time, win me over to your way of thinking, it is yours. 
Your presence and example will warm into life all the 
good there is within me.” 

Your own impulse and will should make you a 
man, independent of any other influence. And, Mr. 
Preston, I know your temperament too well to hope 
for anything from my influence. You are so positive, 
so decided, that if you become a Christian only God 
and 3^ourself will accomplish it.” She clasped her 
hands before her, and looking up into his face appeal- 
ingly said, And have I not pleaded with you to 
believe the truth ? Have I not said all that I can say 
to convince you, and to no effect ? ” 

He ceased to reason with her, and laying his hand 
lightly upon hers, said in a gentle undertone, 

" Do you not love me, though, Stella, notwithstand- 
ing all my obdurac^^ ? ” 

She dared not lift' her e.yes to his face, but walked 
several steps away, and then answered. 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


147 


How could I, when I despise your most cherished 
doctrine?’’ 

He stood where she had left him, and watched her, 
smiling-lj^, complacently^, then folding his arms across 
his broad chest, said, 

I cannot accept an evasive reply, Stella. I am 
entitled to a defiant answer. Will you tell me ? ” 

Still with downcast ey^es she answered tremulously^. 

Isn’t it impossible for me to — to love you ? ” 

Is it ? Then raise ymur eyes to my’' face, and say 
ymu do not, and I will annoys ymu no further.” His 
voice was very^ earnest and low. She did not answer. 
‘^Will you not answer, Stella?” he said after a 
moment. She looked into his ey^es ; her own were full 
of tears. But her words died on her lips, and dropping 
her face in her hands, she sobbed aloud. In an 
instant his arms were about her, and while holding 
her close to his loving heart, he said, in a voice almost 
impatient in its earnestness, Why^ torture us both ? 
Tell me if you love me, my^ darling.” 

She would have been more or less than human had 
she not been so imprudent as to answer, 

^^Yes.” 

I knew it long ago, Stella, but I so longed to hear 
.you say^ it.” As he spoke he wmund his hand caress- 
ingl.y among the silky ringlets that lay^ against his 
shoulder. May I tell you how much I love ymu, 
darling? ” 

Quickly freeing herself from his embrace, and mov- 
ing a few paces from him, she said. 

Oh, no ; ymu must not tell me.” 

Why^? ” he asked. 

Because we must not love each other.” 

Can we help it ! ” 

must try.*' Then with a sudden impulsive 


148 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


motion she approached him again, placed her arms 
about his neck, and with her face upturned to his, 
spoke fervently, Oh, Morgan, if you were only re- 
ligious, if you only believed that God is the Father 
and Saviour of us all, how gladly would I promise to 
be 3mur wife ! ’•' 

^^And 3mu will he pleaded, reverently touching 
his lips to the blue-veined forehead. 

Stepping awaj^ from him again she answered husk- 

‘^No — no, I cannot.’’ 

He did not approach her, but said, eagerly, 

Stella, you know that if any mortal power could 
induce me to promise to alter my principles, I would 
do it now. Do you not see that any promise of the 
kind made for the sake of a reward, no matter how 
coveted that reward may be, would be dishonest with 
m^^self and insincere ? ” 

Yes.” 

Then what more can I say than this ? Whenever 
I can believe as you do, I will.” Then in a voice of 
desperate entreaty, Now, Stella, don’t ask me again 
to do that which you see I am powerless to do ; but 
promise to be my wife. You shall never regret it.” 

Don’t make this any harder for me, Morgan, for I 
cannot.” 

But you have said that you love me.” 

God help me, I know it.” 

Two little twigs lay at his feet ; he tossed them into 
the water, and said. 

Come, look, Stella.” She obeyed. Do you see 
how the}^ are drifting apart, and ever}" moment widens 
the distance? Just see; one has lodged among the 
debris about the rocks, while the other floats on un- 
impeded. Just so will our lives drift, Stella, if you 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


149 


send me away to-day ; for I will never seek you 
again.” 

^‘Morgan, I will pray God that 3 "our life-boat may 
not be stranded on the rock of infidelity". Oh, what a 
failure it would be, even though it went down amid, a 
world’s applause.” 

Every trace of a smile had left his face now, and 
there rested on it an expression of intense and bitter 
disappointment. She saw it, and laying her hand on 
his own, said, 

will promise you this, Morgan: When yon be- 
come a Christian, or at least relinquish all sceptical 
views, if it is ten y^ears hence, and you want me, I will 
be your wife.” 

^‘1 will not accept it,” he answered somewhat 
proudly". ‘‘I want a promise without any^^ proviso. 
If you send me away now, it is for all time, even 
though such a metamorphosis as yon mention should 
take place. I have promised all that I can with hon- 
esty. Do y"ou still adhere to ymur first words ? ” 

Morgan,” she exclaimed, piteouslyL I cannot do 
otherwise.” 

He turned upon her almost fiercelyL 
You are laboring under a hallucination. Does the 
God whom y"ou serve, and whom yon call merciful and 
kind, require y"ou to make this sacrifice? It is mon- 
strous for Him to demand of .you, his child, to shut 
out all human love and hope and joy" from .your life, 
merely to punish me, an already outcast.” Then in a 
calmer tone and with an appealing look, he said, 

Stella, once more I ask y^ou, and think well before 
you answer, Will y"ou be my wife ? ” 

She looked into his handsome, noble, pleading face, 
and all her heart went out to him then, but she sobbed 
out rather than spoke, 


150 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


I cannot, I cannot. God help us both ! 

They stood in utter silence for a moment, then he 
asked in calm, even tones. 

Shall I see 3"ou home. Miss Stella, or would you 
prefer to walk alone? 

For answer she came toward him. He untied her 
hat from the bough, and they started homeward. The 
moss and the baskets were forgotten, the sweet music 
of the birds unheeded, the springing flowers were 
crushed beneath their feet unnoticed, and the bright- 
ness of the sunlight seemed but a tremendous mock- 
ery. When they reached the gate he opened it for 
her to enter, then lifting his hat politely, bade her 
^^good evening,’’ and walked away. She was too 
dazed even to reply. Her mother met her on the 
threshold and said, 

My daughter, you look like a ghost. Are you 
sick or frightened ? ” 

No, mother ; I am weary. Will you excuse me if 
I go to my room and do not come down to tea? ’’ 

Yes, child, go. I’ll bring you a cup of tea after a 
while.” 

Oh, no, I do not wish it, thank you,” and she 
passed on. 

What ails the child?” muttered the mother to 
herself. She never come in lookin’ like that afore. 
And she didn’t get no mosses, neither; I hope she ain’t 
a gittin’ no fever.” 


CHAPTER XVII. 

Stella McMurray, as we have said elsewhere, was a 
very practical young woman, and contrary to the con- 
ventional love-lorn girl, when she reached the refuge 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


151 


of her room, she neither fainted, nor shrieked, but 
quietly determined within herself not to make every- 
one in the house miserable, but to bear up as bravely 
and cheerfully as she could. So she did not have brain- 
fever nor consumption, nor did she court 3.ny of the 
many methods by which we shuffle off this mortal 
coil,” but she calmly sat down, thought the matter 
over, and made the very best she could of it. The 
brave heart suffered, aye, bitterly, and life looked 
darker than she had thought it ever could, yet she felt 
the consciousness of having done right, although at a 
terrible sacrifice. Just as soon as she could bring her- 
self to speak of it, she told her mother all the painful 
circumstance, how she had acted, and at what a cost. 
Dear, kind-hearted mother that she was, she sympa- 
thized with her daughter tenderly, and commended her 
for doing as vshe thought was right, and prudentl^^ 
shielded her in many after-instances, from remark and 
questioning. But ere the autumn months had flown, 
her watchful mother-love detected an unfavorable 
change in Stella’s appearance. She had taken a task 
upon herself that she could not easily accomplish. 
Oonscientiously she went through the usual routine of 
life from day to day. Ailing up her regular hours of 
work, read the paper to her father in the evenings, as 
she had always been accustomed to do, and attended 
church on Sundays with unvarying regularity, never 
complained nor seemed low-spirited ; but there was 
lacking her usual vivacity and ambition, and keen rel- 
ish of life. She had not seen Morgan Preston since she 
parted with him at the gale, and but rarely heard his 
name mentioned. Harry Elton had been her confidant 
in this as in most other matters since she had known 
him, and she sincerely prized hissympathy now, which 
he freely gave, together with many a word of encour^ 


152 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


ment and hopefulness. It was early in the winter that 
he came up to spend a few days, and althoug*!! Pres- 
ton’s name was but seldom mentioned between them, 
yet he thought best., during his visit to tell her this, 

“ One of his associates whom I met recently informed 
me that Morgan Preston, having grown strangely 
gloomy and stern of late, has given up his studies in 

B , and has gone to Chicago, where he is entirely 

absorbed in the stud}’ and practice of his profession.” 

And this was all she knew. 

Father,’^ said Mrs. McMurray one morning, ad- 
dressing her husband, don’t you think a little visit 
somewhere would be a good thing for Stella ? ” 

Well, I don’t know. 'Pears to me she does seem 
kinder tired and restless here lately.” 

I think so. She don’t see nuthin’ new around here 
to interest her, and everything puts her in mind of him. 
I just know that.” 

Well, let her have a visit wherever she’s a mind 
to go, and let her stay until she feels like cornin’ back. 
A little change that wa}" is powerful good for anybody 
that’s melancholy-like.” 

And just on the heel of this proposition, Harry Elton 
came, and at the first favorable opportunity said to 
Mrs. McMurray, 

Stella looks badly. She has undertaken a heavy 
burden. Let me take her home with me, won’t you ? 
I think we might brighten her up a little. Mother will 
be delighted te have her come, and the}^’!! be a mutual 
advantage to each other.” 

Why, yes ; ” she replied. ^^I’ll be glad for her to 
go. I mentioned to father yesterday that we must 
send her away somewhere. Your mother is a very 
cheerful body. I’m sure Stella won’t be lonely.” 

So Stella was interviewed on the subject, and being 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


153 


used to doing prett3^ much as they wished, she readily 
consented to the arrangement. And we find her soon 
after, in the brightest, most cheerful room in Mrs. 
Elton’s commodious house, and this lady using her 
best endeavors to please and enliven her guest. Surelj" 
in this most delightful of apartments she could not 
nurse a feeling of sadness. The walls were covered 
with pale blue and gilt paper, the soft carpet was of 
the same delicate hue, and all the appurtenances to 
correspond. Rich lace curtains drooped gracefully 
from the window and were held in place by tiny gilded 
hands. Some of the best authors and latest periodi- 
cals lay on the table, and two canary birds, swinging 
in the sunlight, sang almost constantlj^ And Stella 
did certainly seem to grow more like herself under 
these influences. And Mrs. Elton, while in her com- 
pany, kept her continuallj^ talking, and always of 
something pleasant, and then, sly woman that she 
was, she would request Stella to go out in the city to 
do certain little errands for her whenever the days 
were bright and pleasant. Queer little errands she 
would find sometimes — a piece of ribbon matched for 
her bonnet, or an uncommon shade of velvet for her 
new wrapper ; and not infrequently she would remem- 
ber something that she wanted particularly to say to 
Harry that morning, in reference to business, and 
would Stella be so kind as to take a note to his office 
for her ? And Mrs. Elton made the girl believe that 
she was conferring a great favor upon her by doing 
these things, when it was onl}^ a ruse to get her out of 
doors, and keep her mind off unpleasant subjects, hav- 
ing its origin and fulfilment in the kindness of Mrs. 
Elton’s heart. 

Amid these cheerful surroundings the girl really 
found little chance to be sad, but one evening Harry 


154 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


came home earlier than usual, and found her crouched 
in a corner of the sofa in the back parlor crying*. He 
came upon her suddenl^^, and before she had time to 
brush the tears away, sat down by her, and in his old 
free, affectionate way, drew her head down upon his 
shoulder, and said. 

Has the old wound opened afresh, little sister ? 

^^Oh, Harr^^,’’ she sobbed, ^‘it has never been healed, 
only hidden. I don’t think I ever can feel as I once 
did.” 

Harry, poor fellow, thought this very probable, but 
he didn’t tell her so. He onlj^ said, 

Are you sorry that you acted as you did ? Would 
you go back and undo it if you could ?” 

She thought a moment, then answered, 

No, Harry, I am^sure I would not.” 

^•Then, Stella,” he said, ^^you are doing wrong. 
You must hold your emotions in check better than 
this. I sympathize with you earnestl^^ for I know 
what it is, but now that you have shouldered the bur- 
den, you must try to be strong.” 

Endeavoring to dry her eyes, she said, 

thought I could be brave, as you are, but I find 
myself a coward after all.” 

^'No, not a coward, but unused to such severe dis- 
cipline.” 

This looks very ungrateful in me, after all that 
you and your mother have done to make me happy. I 
do appreciate it all, Harry, but I allowed my heart 
too much liberty tliis evening.” 

Stella,” he said, seriousl^^, 'Mt is for self-control 
that^mu are struggling. You will never outlive your 
love, poor child. You can only learn to hide it from 
the careless gaze of others. And to do this requires 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


155 


constant vigilance. You must not allow your heart 
loose reins again.” 

And will I never be happy again ? ” disconsolately. 

Certainly you will. Try to become interested in 
people and things, and as the days come and go, pos- 
sibly some avenue of usefulness may open to you, and 
you will be happy in following it.” 

That helps me to tell you, Harry, what I have 
been waiting to tell you for days. I believe I want 
employment — something to keep mind and hands both 
busy, away from home, you know.” 

I believe it would be a very good idea,” he said, 
after a moment’s thought, would you like teach- 
ing?” 

I think I would.” 

Then. slapping his hand upon his knee, he said. 

I know the very place for you. A lady right here 
in the city, a friend of mine, wants a private instruc- 
tress for three little girls.” 

‘‘ Tell me about them,” already interested. 

Mrs. Martin and her family are very nice people, I 
think. I have called there several times. There are 
two children grown, a son and daughter. The three 
younger are probably ten, twelve and fifteen, respect- 
ively.” 

I wonder if father and mother will allow me to 
take the position if I can get it.” 

We’ll write to them and see. If you decide to take 
it I think I can secure the place for you.” 

The parents offered no objection if Stella thought she 
could be better contented. At an^^ rate she could but 
try, and the moment you are dissatisfied, dear,” 
they wrote, ^^come home.” So Mr. Elton called upon 
the lady who wished to engage a governess, and rec- 
ommended Miss McMurray as his friend. The usual 


156 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


questions relative to her capabilities were asked and 
and satisfactorily answered, and upon Mr. Elton’s rec- 
ommendation she was engaged. He mentioned, how- 
ever, that she was not necessitated to take this step, but 
did it of choice. Before entering upon her duties, she 
made a flying visit home, then returned, and Mr. Elton 
went with her to Mrs. Martin’s. When he left her ho 
extorted a promise that she would spend every Sab- 
bath with his mother. She silently thanked God for 
such a friend, as he went awa^". At her request she 
was shown her duties at once. Mrs. Martin, a hand- 
some, dignifled, yet friendly woman, conducted her new 
protege up a wide staircase, and entering a large, 
comfortable room on the second floor, told her that 
would be the school-room, and opening into it was 
the room designed for her — a cos^^, comfortable little 
place ; and bidding Stella enter and remove her wrap- 
pings, Mrs. Martin went out into the corridor, and 
passing along to another room, found three little girls 
all waiting in silent expectation to be presented to 
their new governess. Bringing them in she said. 
Here are the little ones. Miss McMurray, Minerva, 
the eldest, Helen, the next, and here is our baby, 
Maude.” 

Possessing a natural friendliness for children, she 
soon won their confidence, and Mrs. Martin, hoping that 
she would find them tractable and obedient, left them to 
themselves. The most of the day was taken up in get- 
ting thoroughly acquainted, and arranging their lessons 
for the next day. Stella’s heart warmed toward the 
children at once, and, when alone in her own little 
room, she asked God to help her to teach them some- 
thing beside that which tended only to mental ad- 
vancement. At dinner hour Mrs. Martin came to her 
again, and asked if she would come down and dine 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


157 


with the family, or would she prefer to have meals 
sent up with the children’s ? 

I will dine with the children to-day,” she an- 
wered at once, but Mrs. Martin objected. 

“You have not seen my older children, Miss Me- 
Murray, and I would like to introduce you.” 

“If you will excuse me, I will not go down to-day, 
thank you,” she replied. 

So, to their delight., she took her dinner with the 
children, and before eating, astonished them all by 
asking a fervent blessing on the meal. Maude, the 
3"Oungest, and the most inquiring, unable to refrain 
from questioning, asked, 

“ Why do you do that, Miss Stella ? We don’t say 
an^^thing here before we eat.” 

“ Why, dear, I just thanked God for all these things, 
that is all. Every day He gives us what we need, and 
every day we should thank Him.” 

“ But papa buys these things. Miss Stella, God don’t 
send them to him.” 

Then the new teacher, seeing at once that a mission 
field was open to her, commenced by giving her pupils 
a lesson in religious science. And so well did she suc- 
ceed in simplifying her teaching that even the little 
inquiring mind was satisfied. On the morning after 
her arrival Stella was formerly introduced to the son 
and eldest daughter. Mr. Philip Martin was a young 
gentleman of fine physique, polite, yet without those 
insinuating attentions that are annoying to strangers. 
Miss Lillie Martin was a delicate, fragile looking girl 
of about Stella’s own age, sweet-tempered and winning 
in her manner. So, when Stella knew them all, she 
found herself very pleasantly situated, indeed ; but she 
did not know how much Mr. Elton’s recommendation 
as his own personal friend, had done for her in this 


158 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


matter. If she supposed that all governesses were as 
kindly received, she was widely mistaken. Had Mrs. 
Martin employed a stranger, with references from 
strangers, she being a calculating woman, would not 
liave received her into her famil^^, as she did this girl 
whom Mr. Elton had brought as his friend ; but she 
Avould have assigned her her own territory without 
any scruples, and then saw to it that she ventured not 
beyond it. But they dare not consider her beneath 
them who was Mr. Elton’s personal friend. So Miss 
Lillie and Stella were soon on intimate terms, and 
Phil, as Lillie called her brother, soon came to spend 
more of his evenings at home than had hitherto been 
his custom. Before she had been many weeks in the 
family another thing became patent to Stella’s obser- 
vation. Lillie was engaged to be married. Every 
Thursday evening with mechanical accuracy, her lover 
came. Then Stella did not go to the parlor at all, but 
spent the evening with the children, and the conse- 
quence was they soon learned to look forward to 
Thursday evening with as much pleasant anticipations 
as Lillie did. Lillie’s lover was a man very much 
older than she, and bearing in business circles a char- 
acter beyond reproach. Stella often wondered, though, 
when seeing them together, if Lillie really loved him. 
She, such a tiny, winsome blossom of a thing, while 
he, so elderl^^ and grave, and almost stern in his man- 
ner toward her. But she asked no questions, although 
Lillie became very confidential at times. 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


159 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

** Our lives are better for the rain that falls into them. The}’- 
who have known no sorrow have never felt the honey-dropping 
balm of consolation. We are nearer heaven after the ministry 
of grief. As the rain falls gently from the skies, so may all 
things lovely and of good report fall into our human hearts.” 

It was a blustering March day. The winds shrieked 
through the crevices, and howled around the corners, 
and moaned through the swa^dng tree-tops, and tore 
into the faces of those who were compelled to be out 
with such gust as almost to take away their breath. 
In one of the most unpretending-looking little houses 

in the suburbs of H , sitting by a blazing wood-fire, 

listening to the roaring elements without, is Mrs. 
Miller, formerly Nina Hudson. The plain, honest 
man,’’ came along, and they were married three 
months ago, after a very brief courtship. There is a 
shadow of care on her features this evening, and she 
sits alone in the house, engaged with her domestic 
duties. Any observing stranger who would come into 
this humble dwelling and converse with Mrs. Miller for 
an hour, would know that she is fitted for something 
better than this. Yet this is what she has deliberate!}^ 
chosen. James Miller, her husband, is just the sort of 
man one would suppose that Nina Hudson would not 
marry under any circumstances. A man of very 
limited mental acquirements, not particularly prepos- 
sessing physically, with little or no culture, and with 
no ambition for anything higher. His moral character 
is good, though, and he is kind to his wife, and fond of 
her in his way. On one of the retired streets in the 
town you will see his sign in large letters, James 
Miller, Haberdasher,” whatever that means. From 


160 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


this small business he realized a modest living but 
nothing more. Being in good circumstances Nina had 
entertained a secret expectation that his father .would 
help him into better business. But in this she reck- 
oned wrong. The old gentleman for reasons strictly 
known to himself, saw fit to allow James to struggle 
on alone. But with this little personal matter we have 
nothing to do. Suffice it to say, Nina was disappointed, 
but she bore it with nerve, and now we find this woman 
her own housekeeper, living as economically as possi- 
ble, who had all her life been accustomed to a certain 
degree of ease and refinement. We must do Aunt 
Lovejoy the justice to say that she was by no means 
eager for this match. True, she had instilled into her 
niece’s mind from infancy the principle that only the 
love of a plain, honest man” was worth having ; but 
in this instance the plainness ” was too obvious even 
for her. But in the face of all these facts Nina pro- 
tested that she was satisfied, and that she had the 
‘‘very best husband in the world.” Well, perhaps 
she had, but other people knew that she was out of her 
groove in life ; yet she settled into the new one with all 
the complacency she could assume. Steadfast in her 
religious duties, both in public and private, she did 
with her mig'ht what her hands found to do ; and that 
even was a great deal. B}^ dint of good management, 
the little income was made to supply" their necessities, 
but at the end of the year there was nothing left over. 

Now, let us look in upon our friends in B on 

this same stormy evening. Assembled in the parlor 
are Stella McMurra^", Lillie and Mr. Martin, junior. 
The curtains are drawn so as to shut out the gather- 
ing darkness, and a bright fire burns in the grate. 
Stella has now been several months in Mr. Martin’s 
family, and one needs not the second glance to see 


WHICH. SHALL IT BE? 


161 


that the change has been beneficial to her. Being 
brought into daily contact with these young, unde- 
veloped, affectionate natures was just what she needed. 
In studying with them, and teaching and training 
them, she is recovering to a great extent the usual 
flow of spirits. Do not mistake my meaning, now, 
dear reader, and think she has forgotten her lover. 
That would be a great mistake. She is only learning 
the lesson that so many of us have to learn ; resigna- 
tion to the will of Him who, with a loving and unerr- 
ing hand, marks out our lives. She has buried her 
heart in the memories of that evening by the brook- 
side, and she prays to God daily so to order his life 
that he may become a Christian, and leaves all the rest 
with Him. She has determined to make her life a 
useful one wherever and however she may. In this 
family her influence is already beginning to tell. A 
few weeks after her introduction here, j’^oung Mr. 
Martin asked hei- one evening if she would accompany 
him to the theatre. Without any hesitancy she told 
him that, from conscientious principles, she never at- 
tended the theatre. 

Of course there followed a pleasant little racy argu- 
ment. He, like all other worldlings to whom theatre 
going is a pleasure, asked, 

“ What harm is there in it ? ” 

She, Yankee-like, turned questioner, and asked, 

“ What possible advantage can a young Christian 
derive from a performance at the theatre, or, any 
young man indeed, who is striving for a moral 
character and to ‘ keep himself unspotted from the 
world ? ’ ” 

He couldn’t truthfully say that there was an}’^ real 
advantage to be gained for that sort of person, but 
then “ there are excellent historical plays,” he said. 


162 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


“ Those excellent pla3"s keep ver^^ bad company, Mr. 
Martin/’ she replied, and I would prefer to gather 
my knowledge of history from books.” 

As a ‘‘nail in a sure place,” she ran upstairs and 
procured Rev. J. T. Crane’s book on “ Popular Amuse- 
ments,” that she had brought from home and read to 
him the following sentences ; 

“ The theatre is said to be good place to learn his- 
tor^^, human nature, and all that. Assuming this to 
be true, it might not be out of place to inquire how 
often these good plays are performed, and how the^^ 
* draw.’ What pioportion does this good sort bear to 
the general mass of pla^^s nightl3" set before the public? 
To plead for the theatre on the ground that its moral 
influence is good is to act a bigger farce than was ever 
put upon the stage. The whole thing is one of strat- 
egy and calculation. As the skilful angler puts on his 
hooks the bait at which the flsh will bite most easil\\, 
no matter what it is, so the crafty manager of a the- 
atre surveys society and considers what pla^^s will at- 
tract the crowd. He is aware that the reallj" religious 
portion of the communit^^ regard the church and the- 
atre as antagonists, and look upon him as one who is 
laboring to undo all that thc}^ are trying to accom- 
plish. He knows that many people of culture and 
high social position regard his profession as dishonor- 
able and degrading. These classes he leaves out of 
his calculations, because they are beyond his reach. 
But a great multitude remain, composed in part of the 
3"oung and the heedless, fond of noise and show and 
excitement, and in part, of the corrupt and the vile, 
and among these he must And his patrons and his 
profits. In aiming to gather them into his fold, he 
must gratify their peculiar taste. Will he do this by 
means of plan's which, from the first line to the last, 
brand vice as infamous, and exalt virtue and honor? 
He knows hiscalling better. The people who compose 
his audience do not come to the theatre to be made 
ashamed of themselves. They would not listen to such 
a play. It is true that a few who are moral and res- 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


163 


pectable are sometimes found at the pla^^-liouse, hut 
they are so few that play-writers and stage managers, 
having an e3’'e to the financial receipts and successes, 
look in other directions, and graduate the plot, and the 
sentiments, and the scenes, and the costumes of the 
performers, for a lower moral level.” 

Then closing at once the book and the argument, 
she looked at him coyly, and said, 

‘^That settles the question to my entire satisfaction. 
Now, sir, if you will give Lillie and I the pleasure of 

hearing Dr. T to-night at the Institute, we will be 

under great obligations.” 

‘‘ I will, with pleasure,” was the cordial repljL On 
another occasion he came in and handed her a ticket 
to a famous opera, and asked the pleasure of her com- 
pany. She thanked him cordially, chided him play- 
fully, and declined going. ‘^Well, where can I take 
you ?” he asked in mock despair. 

Playfully she asked, 

Mr. Martin will you really take me where I wish 
to go, even at the risk of being bored yourself ?” 

Why, certainly I will,” he answered. 

‘‘Well, there is to be a meeting in E street 

church to-night in the interest of missionary Avork, in 
which you know I am interested. There will be ad- 
dresses by several eminent workers, and I would like 
very much to go.” 

“I am at your service,” was the quick response. 

Thank you ever and ever so much.” 

Thus we see that the young gentlemen went less 
often to places of amusement, and more frequently 
Avhere solid good could be obtained ; and even if no 
permanent results should follow this influence, so 
much time is gained at any rate. As for the little 
girls, they loved Miss Stella dearly, and would trj^ 


164 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


hard to accomplish anything* she asked of them. The}" 
were not identified with any Sabbath school, and at 
Stella’s request they spent Sabbath afternoons with 
her in her room, where she taught them precious Bible 
truths in such a simple, interesting manner, that they 
soon learned to love their Sunday exercises. It is no 
wonder that in this wholesome atmosphere her spirits 
revived. She had found something to do, and was do- 
ing it to the very best of her ability. Now, after this 
somewhat lengthy digression, we will come back to the 
trio grouped together on the sofa. 

^‘Ugh!’’ said Lillie, shrugging her dainty shoul- 
ders, ‘^how the wind shrieks.” 

Stella jokingly remarked, 

I expect you are glad it isn’t Thursday evening.” 
I sup])ose I ought to be,” was the ready answer. 
Now, Mr. Martin, let us hear from you.” 

The young gentleman addressed struck an attitude, 
and in a tragic tone repeated, 

“ ‘ The thunders crash up with a roar upon roar, 

And the eddying’ lightnings flash fire in my face, 

And the whirlwinds are whirling the dust round and round, 
And the blasts of the winds universal leap free 

And blow each upon each with a passion of sound, 

And aether goes mingling in storm with the seal 
Oh, uiEther en ringing 

All eyes with the sweet common light of thy bringing, 

Dost see how I suffer this wrong? ’ 

Lillie put out her hand with a gesture of entreaty, 
and said, 

Spare us, Phil, please. No college recitations for 
us this evening. Come down to our level, and tell us 
of that beautiful Julia whom you used io rave about.” 

Is it possible, Lil, that ^mu have so little apprecia- 
tion of the lofty and sublime ? ” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


165 


Stella spoke up, 

Indeed, Mr. Martin, I would like to hear the whole 
poem, but Lillie has aroused my curiosity. Why have 
you kept me so long- in the dark about yonv ^ beautiful 
Julia Do tell us something- about her. To use a 
favorite expression of that dashing Miss Ashton who 
called yesterday, ‘ I am dying to know.’ ” 

Perhaps Lillie has some more interesting facts in 
her possession that she could give 3^ou,” said the 
young man, pleasantly. 

No, I have nothing more to communicate. We 
will be glad to hear you expatiate at length. 

Pray go on, Mr. Martin,” said Stella, We know 
you want to talk about her, and we will be interested 
listeners.” 

‘^Do you mean Miss Starr?” he asked, turning to 
his sister. 

To be sure.” 

Well, I was introduced to Miss Starr at the thea- 
tre, a little less than a year ago. She is quite stylish 
in her appearance, and on this particular occasion was 
gorgeousl^^ gotten up. Solomon in all his glory never 
dreamed of such an outfit, I know. It was this, per- 
haps, that led me to mention her name to Lillie. That 
is all I know.” 

'‘It isn’t much, I am ^ui’e,” said Stella, “ and I con- 
clude that it isn’t a very bad case after all.” 

‘‘ Stella, he’s keeping something back,” said Lillie, 
gaily. If 3^ou could have heard him rave about her 
magnificent eyes and wealth of auburn hair.” 

“ Ah, Lil,” said the young man laughing, ‘tyou are 
wasting ammunition. You can’t make out a case 
against me.’^ 

Stella joined in the laugh, and turning to Lillie said, 

“ Probably you are right. I know it is a character- 


166 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


istic of his ^ sect,’ as Samantha sa.ys, to withhold just 
the informatiou you want,” then turning to Mr. Mar- 
tin she said, For my part I will not ask you to con- 
fess any further in regard to this Starr of the first 
magnitude (excuse a pun), if you will allow me to 
suggest a plan for our better entertainment this even- 
ing.” 

‘‘ Certainly, Miss Stella. What is your sugges- 
tion ? ” 

That you will read something aloud for our bene- 
fit.’ 

never give public readings,” he replied, sagely. 

Please do not refuse/’ she pleaded. You know I 
seldom have the pleasure of hearing another read.” 

I yield,” with resignation stamped on every fea- 
ture. 

Thank you.” 

After a little discussion they decided that he should 
take the ancient poem from which he had just given 
them a startling quotation, and read from it such por- 
tions as he admired. The young man was a good 
reader, and when he finished they fell to discussing its 
merits and eloquence, and comparing it with product- 
tions from our modern poets. 

Stella asked if the^^ were familiar with a poem en- 
titled God,” written by Derzhavin, the Kussian poet. 
They were not. 

It is a marvel of eloquence,” she said. 

I am sorry we haven’t it.” 

I have a copy in my portfolio,” she replied, writ- 
ten in pencil. I will get it.” She ran upstairs and in a 
few minutes reappeared with the portfolio. They 
gathered around the center table, and she, producing 
the poem, said, I suppose I will hav^e to follow you 
in reading, Mr. Martin, as this is my own writing and 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


167 


a hurried copy.” When she finished the poem and 
the^^ were still commenting* upon it, she said, I have 
here a prose translation also. Hear the ninth verse 
or paragraph : ^ I am a bond between all worlds every- 
where existent — I am the utmost limit of being — I am 
the centre of living things — the initial stroke of Divin- 
ity — in My body I perish in dust corruptible — in My 
Spirit I command the storms — I am a tsar — I am a 
slave — I am a worm — I am God ! But marvellous 
as indeed I am — whence did I have My being? un- 
known ! But by Myself I could nob have been.’ Isn’t 
it fine ? ” 

Very. When did this poet flourish ? ” 

About a century and a half ago ; or possibly a 
little less.” 

Perhaps you have something else as good among 
those papers.” 

No, sir ; nothing so good as that.” 

But the evening was not to go by without its little 
unexpected happening. 

In taking out a handful of papers something fell on 
the floor near Lillie. It was a photograph. She 
picked it up, glanced at it, said Oh ! ” involuntarily, 
turned pale, and the picture dropped from her fingers 
to the floor again. Stella knew in an instant what it 
was, noticed Lillie’s too evident confusion, and with 
perfect self-command picked up Morgan Preston’s pic- 
ture, and passing it carelessl}^ to Mr. Martin, said. 

Do you know this face ? ” 

Know it?” surprisedly, ^'I should think I do. 
Morg. and I were chums at college. Is he a friend of 
yours ? ” 

Yes, I have known him all my life, more or less, 
intimately.” Lillie regained her self-possession in a 


168 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


moment, and receiving the picture from her brother's 
hand, said, It is very much like him/’ 

He’s a tip-top fellow,’" continued the young man. 

Where is he, Miss Stella, and what is he doing ? 
He used to visit here right frequentlj^ when we were 
college mates, and afterward, but it has been now quite 
a while since I heard from him or of him.” 

He is in Chicago, now, I think, practising medi- 
cine.” She took the picture quietly and dropped it 
among the leaves of her portfolio ; then rising she said, 

I will now return this to its place, and if ^mu will ex- 
cuse me, I will not come down again this evening.” 

But she was destined not to get off so easily. Just 
then the door bell rang, and she heard Harrj^ Elton’s 
voice in the hall inquiring for her, and in another 
moment he was shown into the parlor. After the usual 
greetings he said, 

Have you been entertaining your friends with 
original manuscript, Stella ? I see you have your 
portfolio.” 

‘‘No, I have been reading a copied poem.” 

Then she told him what it was. 

“Oh, yes, it is very fine.” 

“Harr^^, what made you come out to-night? It 
isn’t fit for an}^ one to be out unless it is on important 
business,” said Stella iii all the frankness of her heart. 

Well,” he replied, laughing heartily, “ if this isn’t 
a pretty question to ask a fellow after battling with 
old Boreas for ten squares to get to see you.” 

“ I am sure I appreciate it heartily, Harr^L” 

Then after a few commonplaces, Mr. Martin and his 
sister withdrew. As soon as they were alone Mr. 
Elton moved his chair near hers and said, 

“ Here, Stella, I have something for you to read.” 

Taking a paper from his pocket he pointed to a 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


169 


paragraph and handed it to her. It was the announce- 
ment of Nina Hudson’s marriage. Stella was so com- 
pletely taken by surprise that her expression was 
almost as blank as Lillie’s had been an hour before. 
And he looked as sad and hopeless as he did on that 
night a long while ago, when he came home and told 
her that Nina had said him Nay.” 

Don’t think of her, Harry,” was her first unstudied 
exclamation. 

<< Yery likely you will never hear me mention her 
name again.” 

When did this take place ? ” 

Three months ago. The paper has lain on my 
office table unopened all that time.” 

It is well if she hasn’t made three lives miserable.” 

She knows her own heart, of course. As for me, 
my day-dream was a very brief one, and very bright ; 
but it is over now. I hope she is happj^ And I may 
be, too, after a while.” 

^‘We are made purer and better by suffering, 
Harry ; there is such a weight upon my heart continu- 
ally.” 

Why don’t you lay it where it belongs, Stella ? 
There’s a burden-bearer.” 

do, Harry, but I take it up again Avhen I sit 
thinking.” 

Then you must not give yourself a chance.” 

While we are talking, tell me this: Did he ever 
pay any attention to Lillie Martin ? ” 

think not. I have known her ever since she has 
been in society ; have met her often but never with 
him, nor have I heard their names mentioned to- 
gether. Whj^?” 

Then she told him the little circumstance with which 


170 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


the picture was connected, and what had been said 
about him. 

When he used to visit here Miss Lillie may have 
become a little more fond of him than he intended or 
desired she should ; but that is not his fault. There 
is that about him that is very attractive. Will you 
let me see the picture, Stella ? ’’ 

^‘Certainly,’’ and she unlocked the portfolio and 
g*ave it to him. 

It is ver3^ like him,’’ he said. 

‘‘ Yes, very,” and the mists gathered in her eyes as 
she looked at it earnestly. I do hope that some day 
the grace of God may permeate his heart.” 

I hope so, too, Stella, sincerely. See, it is ten 
o’clock — I must be going. Don’t you know it is getting 
awfully lonesome around at our house Sundays ? ” 

Is it ? ” 

Yes, indeed, but I guess you are in the line of 
dutj^” 

I think so, Hany, and I know you would be the 
last person in the world to seek to turn me from 
it.” 

But we miss you very much.” 

Thank you. I am glad the wind has fallen some- 
w^hat, ” she said, as she w^ent with him to the door. 
She bade him good-night,” then went upstairs to her 
room. Her last waking thought w^as this : 

‘^Alas, how easily things go wrong. Why should 
she care at seeing his picture, and she so soon to be 
married. Poor Lillie ! Poor child ! ” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


171 


CHAPTER XIX. 

“ He was a strong man, mail-clad, one whose part 
From childhood upward it had been to bear, 

But the great God— O God ! how great Thou art — 

Knew where the weak spot was, and smote him there.” 

Months come and go, and it is Autumn again. The 
leaves are turning sere and yellow and brown, and 
are dropping one by one, noiselessly to the ground. 
The nights are cool and frosty, and the days balm^", 
still and delightful. In the vo^^age of life, as in na- 
ture, there comes to us the rainbow and storm, bright 
days and dark days, sunlight and gloom. Silentl}’ as 
the Frost-king paints his rare and wondrous picture, 
so imperceptibly into the happy home circle, hitherto 
unbroken, had the relentless form of death been steal- 
ing. Mrs. Preston, the loving wife, the tender mother, 
the quiet, unobtrusive, helpful friend, is gradually 
yielding to the fiat of nature. Pulmonary consump- 
tion is doing its fatal work. A stout woman is in- 
stalled as housekeeper, and the little quiet figure that 
used to go in and out on errands of mercy, sits now 
all the day long in the cushioned chair, and the fair, 
emaciated hands lie idly in her lap, that were so deft 
in deeds of love and kindness. 

A letter freighted with the sad intelligence that his 
mother is ill, has reached Mr. Preston in Chicago, 
and this morning the stage leaves at the gate a 
bronzed and bearded man, with a stern and gloomy" 
countenance, who comes hurriedly up the path and 
enters unannounced, the room where the invalid sat. 
She held out both hands at sight of him, and a smile 
of glad welcome irradiated her face, but she was too 
weak to rise to meet him. Morgan, my son,’’ was 


172 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


all she said. He stood a moment transfixed, as if 
scarcely crediting* his senses, then quickly approach- 
ing, took the frail form into his strong arms, and kiss- 
ing the pallid face again and again, said, 

'' Mother, why did you not send for me before ? ” 

I did not want to alarm you, my dear, until I knew 
there was just cause. 

If I had known, nothing could have kept me from 
you, my precious mother.” Gently he placed her 
again in her chair, and arranged the cushions about 
her. Then she bade him, Come, and sit close by me.” 
He did as he was bidden. She ran her slender fingers 
through the rich masses of auburn hair, and smoothed 
the brown curling beard affectionately, and said, You 
will excuse me, dear, if I am childish. It has been so 
long since I saw you.” He tried to answer her with a 
smile, but the sight of that wan face made his heart 
ache so, that it was but a miserable attempt. He 
arose and drew the curtain so as shield her eyes from 
the bright sunlight. ‘‘ Thank you, dear,” she said, 
'‘You have learned to anticipate an invalid’s wants, I 
see. Surel^^ I will be better, now that you have come, 
and we will have many a nice long talk together.” 
But he knew she was only trying to be buoyant and 
hopeful for his sake, and he was too well skilled in 
these matters to be easily deceived. 

Presently the father came in, and with a smile of 
commingled sadness and gladness greeted his boy. 
These boys are always boys, never men, to their 
parents. Dr. Preston’s entire attention was now given 
to his mother. But alas, that humanity is so weak. 
His hands could bring but temporary relief, and day 
after day he saw her life ebbing slowly but surely 
away. Science with all her researches has failed to 
find the elixir of life. As time wore on and she be- 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


1Y8 


Came too weak even with assistance to walk to or from 
her bed, he carried her in his strong' arms, ever so ten- 
derly, morning and night. Self was forgotten entirely 
in those days of dreary watching and care. He had 
just settled her comfortably by the window, one bright 
morning, when she said, “Morgan, won’t you read for 
me this morning ? ” 

“Certainly, mother,” he replied, “only command 
me and I will obey.” She handed him her Bible. 

“ Where shall I read ? ” he asked. 

“ Anywhere. It is all rich with hope and love and 
precious promises.” He opened at the fifteenth chap- 
ter of Corinthians, and while he read, her heart was 
lifted to God in prayer for him. There was a great 
deal in it that suited each case, although they were 
widely dissimilar. When he finished, and closed the 
book she repeated after him slowlj’’, “Thanks be to 
God who giveth us the victory through our Lord 
Jesus Christ. The victory over sin and death through 
the merits and suffering of his blessed Son. Morgan, 
I have not yet spoken to you on the subject which lies 
nearest my heart, your soul’s eternal welfare; but, 
son, I have done more than speak to you. I have been 
praying for you for many, many months. How do 
stand toward God and eternity, my son ? ” 

“ I have read the book you gave me, mother, as I 
promised, with one or two argumentative works on 
scriptural subjects.” 

“Did the arguments bring you nearer the truth, 
dear ? ” 

“I expect you will hardly think so,” he answewed 
smilingly. 

“ Morgan, there is argument enough in the chapter 
that you have just read, if joined with the least meas- 
ure of faith to convince the whole world of the efficacy 


m 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


of the atonement, the great truth that St. Paul re- 
ceived from God by inspiration, that the dear Saviour 
came into the world to save sinners, and in verihcatioii 
of the prophecies of the Old Testament, died in our 
stead to make atonement for our transgressions and 
reconcile us to God. And the truth of his resurrec- 
tion is fully attested by those who were not deceived 
themselves nor Avere under any temptation to deceive 
others. And if He rose from the dead, a fact which 
St. Paul has abundantly proven, then shall we also be 
resurrected, either to happiness or misery, according 
to our living here.’’ 

In the same pleasant manner he answered again, 

^^If according to our living here, then, mother, I 
think I*m tolerably safe. To use a trite saying, ‘ I 
never drove a six horse Avagon through the ten com- 
mandments.’ Say, now, mother, dear, haven’t I been 
a prettj^ good boy all my life ? ” 

“ Morally, yes, dear. But your nature must be 
changed. You must be spiritually born again. Hoav 
much rather Avould I hear you say, ‘ God be merciful 
to me a sinner than ^ thank God I am not as otlier 
men are.’ DiA^est yourself entirely of the idea, 1113^ son, 
that a correct life Avill save 3^011, until 3^011 have been 
Avashed in the blood of the atonement.” 

There is so much about it, mother, that I cannot 
comprehend. So much that is m3"stical. How can the 
dead who ha\^e lain in the earth for centuries, until 
their bodies have dissolved into dust, and become part 
of other bodies, be quickened again and reanimated 
into a like bod3^ as at first? ” 

You do not need to comprehend it. It is no more 
essential that Ave should understand this process than 
it is for us to answer that question over Avhich ontolo- 
gists and geologists have cavilled for years, Avhether 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


175 


the earth was created in six days, according* to our 
ineasurernent of time, or six millions ? The one is just 
as possible with God as the other. Are there not 
mysteries in nature that you do not understand ? ’’ 

Yes, mother.” 

But you do not doubt their truth because you can- 
not explain their existence.” 

No ; for that they do exist is proven by absolute 
knowledge ” 

Morgan, cease striving vainly to unravel those 
mysteries that God has purposely hidden from you. 
You destroy his divinity when 3^ou expect to com- 
prehend all his purposes. He is an infinite, self- 
existent Being, while we are poor human, finite creat- 
ures, debarred by our ver3^ natures from comprehend- 
ing his motives. It is enough for us to know that he 
has so simplified this one fact as that all maj^ under- 
stand it, how that He sent his only Son into the world 
that by his sufferings and death we maj^ have eternal 
life. Do you believe this, m.y son ? ” 

“ That is the fundamental doctrine of the New Tes- 
tament,” he replied. 

“ You evade a direct answer.” Her voice trembled 
from weakness and emotion. “ Morgan, do 3^ou know 
that when the first snow falls it will cover the place 
wherein m^^ feeble bod3^ will have found rest ? ” 

His whole manner changed instantl3^, and he said 
quickl3’^, 

“ Oh, mother, don’t say that.” 

“ I am only repeating what yon must have known 
before,” she said. Then pitifull3^ she asked, ‘^Do you 
love me, Morgan ? ” 

“ Mother, how can 3mu ask me that ? ” and his face 
told how deepl3^ he felt it, “3mu know that I love yon 
as dearl3^ as an3" precious mother ever was loved.” 


1T6 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


Then would you have this sepaj^atioii that must 
shortly come, a final one, or would yon see me again ? ’’ 
Oh, if it were only possible/’ Then in a manner 
almost rebellious, he said, Mother, if your God is a 
God of love, if He has all power, and if we are im- 
mortal, and if there is a place of rest and reunion be- 
yond the grave, why, in merc}^ did He not make it all 
so plain to us that there could be no possibility of a 
mistake ? Wh^^ leave such vital themes enveloped in 
so much mysteiy ? Here we are, irresponsible for our 
own existence, for a few years the football of circum- 
stances, then gone. How can I possibly know that 
this marvellous doctrine which you unquestionably be- 
lieve, is not all a m^^th? You tell me to ^believe.’ 
How can I believe with nothing tangible to base a be- 
lief upon ? ” 

‘^Every objection that you have named is fully an- 
swered in the Bible. You have no reason to doubt 
any statement within its pages. But you are tena- 
ciously clinging to those terrible Mfs.’ God forbid 
you should make of them a barrier to keep you out of 
heaven. What did you just read ? ^ If in this life 
only we have hope we are of all men most miserable.’ 
But our hope spans the grave and touches a blessed 
immortality. God never gave us this unchangeable 
love to be forever sundered after a few brief 3 ^ears, and 
those checkered with trials and tears. Dear, is there 
any pleasure in the apprehension that we must shortly 
separate and forever ? ” 

None, mother, none. It is a horrible thought.’' 
Then relinquish it, m,y son.” 

I cannot, mother. Your bewitching theory does 
not give me a foothold. Tell me this : If Christianity 
is true, and the Bible is simple enough for all to 
understand its meaning, why do religious denomina- 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


177 


lions dilfer so widfely in their belief ? One sect will 
take the Bible and pretend to prove that there is no 
place of future punishment ; another from the same 
Book will prove the exact opposite. Some Christian 
teachers preach probation after death, others pro- 
nounce such doctrine monstrous, some preach election 
and reprobation, others that all are alike eligible to 
salvation. And so the3" differ and argue and cavil 
over their creeds and ceremonials. Whj^ don’t they 
all see alike ? ” 

There is no division among Christians in regard 
to fundamental truths. All churches in good stand- 
ing teach the immortality of the soul, the universality 
of the Atonement, the vicarious death of Christ, the 
reward of the faithful and punishment of the wicked. 
If they differ on minor points, what matters it? Isn’t 
it the same with all professions or classes of people ? 
Take your own, the medical profession, for instance. 
Isn’t it by the free interchange of different opinions 
that you are able to get at the best ? ” 

That is a human institution altogether, and ‘ to 
err is human.’ But for Christianity you claim divine 
origin. And really, mother, it seems to me that if 
religion is all that .you good people claim for it, its 
ministers would be so concerned about eternal destin- 
ies as to lose sight of the insignificant matter of 
formulas. The Bible teaches but one road to heaven, 
and that narrow and straight ; but I find Christian 
people branching off in every direction.” 

^‘Narrow and straight, 1113^ son, 3"et wide enough 
for ever3^ earnest, repentant, and regenerate child of 
Adam to walk therein. The little difference of opin- 
ion that your strained imagination magnifies into such 
proportions, simply serves to promote activity in 
Christian work, and engenders no confusion in the 


m 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


ranks of God’s followers. His ministers, God’s 
anointed children, may be intensely concerned about 
eternal destinies, yet using' slightly different means 
to reach the same end. Oh, Morgan, my darling hoy, 
why persistently fortify yourself with frivolous argu- 
ments for the sake of the terrible alternative, your 
soul’s inevitable doom ! Must I, indeed, carry with 
me to the grave this insupportable burden ? ” 

Dr. Preston looked at his mother, and noticed that 
her face was flushed and gave evidence of great ex- 
citement. He was alarmed, and said soothingly. 

Mother, dear, I fear you are talking too much. I 
should have been more thoughtful. I fear I have 
wearied you. Will you lie down a little while ? ” 

No, dear. Tf I could but see you, my son, brought 
into the fold of Christ, I would be more than willing 
to drop my life-burden right here. Oh, Morgan, God 
is so good ; but you are not only slighting his inim- 
itable grace, but trampling beneath your feet, cruelly, 
the blood of the Holy Covenant which alone can hide 
your guilt. Yet, ‘He saves to the uttermost.’ My 
child, what can I say to show you the peril in which 
you are living ? ” 

He looked very much concerned. He could not con- 
ceal that. He drew his chair nearer his mother, and 
with one arm supporting her, he rested her head upon 
his shoulder and said, firmly, 

“ Mother, you must not talk any more just now. 
You are too prodigal with your strength this morning. 
Now, just lie there quietly and I’ll read to you.” 

“ If you will promise me one thing, dear.” 

“What is it, mother? You know I will promise 
you anything in reason.” 

“ If you would only pray. Morgan you 7nust pray. 
You believe that somewhere in the economy of nature 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


179 


there exists a cause that created a universe. Embody 
that something*. Call it God. Pra}^ to Him. Ask 
for a consciousness that Christ is the Son of the living 
God — your Mediator and Redeemer. Ask Him to 
bring into subjection jour obstinate will, and save you 
from impending ruin. Will you do this, my son ? ” 

It was a hard question for Dr. Preston. How could 
he answer it ? It meant the giving up of many 
dearly-bought opinions, but his mother asked it — and 
she was nigh unto death. A few moments’ silence and 
he said in a low voice, 

‘^Mother, surely you do not realize what you are 
asking.’’ 

I know it means much to you, dear, but I am 
going away. How can I leave you, not unsaved only, 
but barricading yourself against God ? Morgan, you 
will not refuse this one only request.” 

Her voice trembled with earnestness. 

The struggle was a hard one, but brief, and he an- 
swered with firm-set lips, 

I promise.” 

Then all will be right, and I am content.” 

With a smile she laid her head back on the cushions 
and closed her e^^es restfully. She knew he would not 
deceive her ; her truthful, honest, noble boy ; and she 
knew God would not deceive her, and He had said. 
Whosoever cometh unto Me I will in no wise cast 
out.” 


CHAPTER XX. 

‘‘Ane amaist fears to pity him, lest we wrang fortitude sae 
majesticaf 

A HUSHED and darkened chamber, a few weary 
watchers moving noiselessly about, sad faces and 


180 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


subdued voices. Over the whole house brooded an 
awful silence, for Mrs. Preston lay dying. Human 
love and skill could accomplish nothing more, and now 
the stern Angel of Death, with his icy fingers is stilling 
the heart-throbs. Leaning over her, holding her two 
nerveless hands in his own, almost as cold, stood her 
son, eager to catch every whisper that might fall from 
those dearly loved lips. In the room were gathered 
the minister and two or three kind neighbors. Taking 
her husband’s hand she laid it in her sou’s, saying, 

“ Henry, guide and counsel our boy when I am gone. 
And, Morgan, be the comfort and support of your 
father in his declining years. It will be but a little 
while until we meet again, all at home.” 

She closed her eyes, and for a while they thought 
she slept. Presentlj' she opened them and said in a 
faint voice. 

“ Morgan, you have been praying ?” 

“ Yes, mother.” 

Clasping her emaciated hands she closed her ej'es 
and said, 

“ Oh, God, my Father, in this the day of my sore 
extremity, hear me, I pray ! One more blessing from 
Thy inexhaustible treasure-house, from whence I have 
been di’awing supplies all through a long life, and 
then Thou wilt receive me into the i-est that reniaineth 
for the faithful through infinite riches of grace ! 
Father, take me not hence without giving me first 
to know that Thou wilt redeem from the dominion of 
sin this, my precious boy. It is Thy will. For his 
redemption Thou didst come into the world, was per- 
secuted, insulted and slain. Enlighten his mind, show 
him the enormity of his sin and the magnitude of 
divine grace. Give him but a faint knowledge of the 
depth of the meaning of those words so graciously 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


181 


given us : ‘ God so loved — so loved the world that He 

gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever — whosoever 
believeth on Him might not perish, but have everlast- 
ing life ! ’ Cleanse his heart, then take up Thy abode 
therein, and let Thy life glow in his life with the bright- 
ness of eternal noonday ! I am standing at the thresh- 
old, Father ; for the sake of Th}^ Son, our Saviour, 
hear this, my last prayer 

Dr. Preston knelt by the bedside and buried his face 
in his hands. For some moments the silence was op; 
pressive. Then, with voice growing perceptibly 
weaker, she said, 

Morgan.” He lifted his white face and bent over 
her. will soon be going now. God has surely 
heard me. Continue to pray and He will break unto 
you the bread of life, and fit you for an inheritance in 
His heavenly kingdom.” After a moment, And read 
the book I gave you, my son. Will you ? ’’ 

Yes, mother.” 

Then it is well. Oh, how the goodness of God is 
manifested to me ! For He gives me to know that 
around my son, once enveloped in the darkness of sin, 
soon will shine the light of God’s reconciled counten- 
ance.” The life-tide was fast ebbing away. He raised 
her gently, and in a little while she spoke again. Be- 
lieve on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. 
‘ He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life.’ 
' Whosover will, let Him come and partake of the 
water of life freely.’ These promises are for you, my 
son. Thank God for his marvellous loye ! ” She w^as 
sinking now rapidly, and could speak but a few words 
without resting. Then, dear, when you have brought 
your penitent heart with your life in earnest consecra- 
tion to Him, He will prove, oh, such a refuge I Hear 
"what tenderness: " He shall cover thee with his feathers, 


182 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


and under his wing's shall tliou trust/ And what 
security : ‘ He shall call upon Me, and I will answer 
him ; 1 will be with him in trouble ; I will deliver him 
and honor him/ Dear, I have tested those promises. 
And now, ‘Though I walk through the valley and 
shadow of death, He is with me,’ and, oh, so pre- 
cious ! ” 

Her face was perfectly luminous. Pain, suffering 
and sorrow with all the grief and bitterness of parting 
^were forgotten now in this flood-tide of happiness. 
The minister sang softly — 

‘ Oh, how sweet it will be in that beautiful land, 

So free from all sorrow and pain ; 

With songg on our lips and with harps in our hands 
To meet one another again.' " 

Then came faintly these words, 

“And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow 
nor crying.” 

“ Morgan — are you here, my son ? — I cannot see 
you.” 

“ Yes, mother, I am here,” he answered, while the 
hot tears fell upon her face. 

“And this is death,” she said. “Why, it is noth- 
ing. Only a step — and that, leaning on Jesus,” Her 
words were almost inarticulate. “ Henry— I will be 
— your guardian angel — and Morgan’s — until you 
come.” They thought she had gone, but in a moment 
her lips moved again, and Morg'an, with his ear bent 
close to her lips, heard faintl^^, 

“ Morgan — you promised — to pray ? ” He pressed 
her hand in answer. Then, “ Glory be to God— who 
giveth — us the vie — tory — through — our — Lord;” and 
the beautiful verse was finished in heaven. 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


183 


With his tears falling fast upon the pallid face, Mor- 
gan reverently laid his mother down. 

Let us pray/’ said the man of God. 

And from this room, made sacred by the presence of 
angels, and awful by the presence of Death, he offered 
up a prayer to Heaven, not for the departed, but foi‘ 
those whom she had left, that He would minister con- 
solation to the sorrowing, and comfort the bereaved ; 
but more than all, that He would bless with his great 
salvation him who had been for j^ears the subject of 
mother’s prayers. When the prayer was ended. Dr. 
Preston arose and walked out on the porch. The sun 
was just rising. The gray dawn of earlj^' morning had 
vanished, and from the east there shot up bright ra^^s 
and gleams of golden light, and in a few minutes, as 
he stood watching, appeared the great orb of day, 
dazzingly beautiful in its effulgence. 

What a glorious emblem,” he thought. And 
can it be possible that the spirit of my precious mother 
has just entered a world so far surpassing this in bril- 
liancy, beauty and happiness, as the light of yonder 
sun surpasses the blackest midnight ? Oh, mj^sterj^ of 
mysteries ! Great God, where’er Thou art, reveal this 
unto me I ” 

When the dear form was by gentle hands robed for 
the grave. Dr. Preston entered the room alone where 
it lay, and closing the door, knelt, and pressing his 
feverish cheek against that other so cold, wept as onl^^ 
the strong can weep. 

Oh, God ! ”he prayed, my mother’s God, com- 
fort me. Since I’ve been a man I’ve known little else 
save disappointment and sorrow, and now Thou hast 
taken from me this loving, and faithful, and patient 
one, upon whose face my tears and kisses never before 
fell unheeded. Oh, hear me, if Thou canst give peace ! 


184 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


If it were not for that terrible, possible hereafter, how 
gladly would I now lie down and be at rest, and for- 
gotten ! ” 

The funeral day came at length. Friends gathered 
in from near and far, and with solemn faces whispered 
words intended for consolation, the habiliments of 
mourning were brought, the dead was coffined, and 
even the sad privilege of gazing through blinding tears 
upon the dear features was forbidden. In solemn pro- 
cession they moved to the churchyard. Husband and 
son, arm in arm, stood b}^ and heard the dull thud of 
the first shovelful of earth that fell upon the coffin lid, 
heal'd the earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to 
dust,’^ saw the grave implements passed from one to 
another until the mound was heaped up, then turned 
awa3^ and went back to the desolate hearthstone. Only 
those who have lain away some loved one know what 
it is to come back to the death visited home, where 
every room and every article one sees is hallowed by 
some sacred reminiscence of the dead. But the cur- 
rent of life’s mighty river bears us on in spite of woe 
or gladness, jo^^ or sorrow. 

As the enshrouded corpse of the brave sailor, when 
consigned to the deep, leaves scarcely a ripple on its 
clear surface, so though our hearts are torn and bleed- 
ing, and the insurging waves of anguish seem to en- 
gulf our very souls, yet the tide of humanit3^ moves on 
as before, and we and our griefs are soon forgotten. 
Happj" it is for us then that life’s duties and cares come 
in and demand our attention. So it was with Dr. 
Preston. He had left a good practice in Chicago in 
the hands of a worthy physician until he should re- 
turn. And he had arranged his atTairs so hurriedly on 
hearing of his mother’s illness as to be almost regard- 
less of consequences. But now he must see after them. 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


185 


After a little persuasion his father consented to return 
with him to Chicago, Morgan agreeing to come home 
if his father found himself dissatisfied with his new 
mode of life. So a trusty tenant was procured, and 
the farm rented for a year. And in a month after. Dr. 
Preston and his father were comfortably quartered in 
Chicago. 


CHAPTER XXL 

The long winter evening has begun. At the grand 

old piano in the parlor at Mrs. Martin’s in B: sits 

Stella McMurray plajung softly to herself. They were 
weird bits of music she was weaving, sad and low and 
plaintive, like the faint murmur of some gentle wood- 
land breeze. Her dress is of sombre hue, relieved here 
and there by a simple knot of blue, and her hair still 
clings to her shapely head in obstinate ringlets. A 
trifle more subdued she looks and woman-like than she 
did a year ago. There is an absent look on her quiet 
face as she sits in the deepening twilight pouring out 
her heart in music. The door opened softly, and Philip 
entered the room. 

“All alone. Miss Stella ? ” he asked cheerily. 

“Save the sphits of melody that are hovering about 
somewhere,” she replied. 

“They are hidden away in your fingers,” he an- 
swered, gallantly, “ for they only come at your magic 
touch.” 

“ Thank you. I love the glad little elves so, I guess 
that is why they keep me company sometimes.” 

“ What were jmu playing? ” 

“ Nothing,” she answered, with a bright smile. 


186 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


“Oh, I know,” with a merry laugh, “you were 
scooping' around after the ‘ Lost Chord.’ ” 

“No, indeed,” Avas the laughing rejoinder, “the 
Avhereabouts of the ‘ lost chord ’ doesn't trouble me in 
the least. Thei-e are so many chords that have not 
been lost that I do not miss the unfortunate one. Now 
listen,” and she glided into a selection from Beethoven 
— mournful, touching, tender strains. “Isn’t it 
pretty ? ” she asked, looking up into his face. 

“ Yes, very,” shrugging his shoulders, “ but some- 
how it chills me. I want to hear you sing. Let me 
toss up these accompaniments and we will find some- 
thing, surely,” and he proceeded accordingly to play 
havoc with a formidable pile of music that lay on the 
instrument in front of him. She secured “ Under the 
Daisies,” when it came to the surface, and placed it 
before her. “ Oh, no ; not that, please,” he entreated. 
“ I never could endorse that sentiment. Let’s find 
something with a suggestion of life in it.” 

With her fingers on the keys she playfully re- 
marked, 

“ Your majesty is unusually fastidious this even- 
ing. Suppose 3’’ou improvise something exactly suited 
to jmur taste.” 

“ Now, don't be ironical. Miss Stella. You know I 
have about as much musical talent as a bear. But 
here is something, ‘ Kathleen Mavourneen.’ Do you 
like it ? ” 

“ Fairly well.” 

She played and sang it for him, then when he had 
thanked her, he walked across the room, sat down on 
the sofa, and tantalizingly held up a letter, saying, 

“ See what I’ve brought 3'ou.” 

“And how unimportant you must have thought it,” 
with mock severity. 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


187 


Come, sit here and read it/’ 

She sat down near him and broke the seal. It was 

from one of her schoolmates in B county, and in 

the missive was mentioned casualiy the death of Mrs. 
Preston, and then as if the name brought up a recol- 
lection of her niece, the writer went on to say that 
Mrs. Miller had become suddenly widowed. A ter- 
rible accident on the P. W. and she wrote, ^^and 
Mr. Miller was killed with several other passengers.^’ 
As Stella sat there reading, Mr. Martin sat watch- 
ing the changes on her face. Sadness, surprise and 
sympathy were all struggling for the masteiy at once. 
An amused smile was playing about the corners of his 
mouth when she finished reading and looked up at 
him. 

‘^Are you laughing at me?” she asked with an 
effort at sternness. 

Only a little, because you read your letter to me,” 
he answered. 

1 did not, sir,” playfully. 

I can prove it to you.” 

Then tell me w^hat I read.” 

Something sad at first, then something unexpected 
and distressing, then you became mystified, and ended 
in mystifying me.” 

Did you catch the names ? ” 

No ; oh, no,” laughing. But you’ll tell me.” 

Do j^ou remember of reading to us last week an ac- 
count of a railroad accident in Penn ? ” 

^‘Yes.” 

One of the unfortunate men who were killed was 
the husband of an old friend of mine.” 

^^Ah!” 

^^Poor Nina! she is rapidly becoming acquainted 
with life’s saddest phases,” 


188 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


“ Miss Stella, excuse me, but I have thought some- 
times that you are hiding a sorrow. Have you any 
ti’ouble ?” 

“ It is the common lot of mortals, Mr. Martin.” 

“ But yours. Miss Stella, is not of the ordinary kind.” 

“You are imaginative.” 

“ No, but you do not choose to confide in me.” 

“ I have nothing' to confide, Mr. Martin. That is, 
nothing but what I can bear alone.” 

“ There is something, then, and I ask your confi- 
dence, Mis s Stella. I ask it as one who would spare 
you this sorrow, whatever it may be ; as one who 
would be nearer now than a friend.” 

And there in the gathering shadows he told her the 
old story ever new. His words were full of earnest- 
ness and pathos and pleading ; but there was no an- 
swering response from the quivering heart whose sad 
lot it had been to bury its wealth of affection from hu- 
man sight. Because she owed him this explanation 
she told him briefly her stoiy, how that her affections 
were not her own to give. 

“ But I will wait, oh, how patiently, until time will 
work a change in your heart. You are not promised, 
and I could live on that,” he entreated. 

Full of the deepest pity for him she answered, 

“ Mr. Martin, mj’ dear friend, I am sorry for you, 
more than I can tell. Why do we all love so strangely, 
so unfortunately ! I cannot bid you hope, for my feel- 
ings will never change, and I never expect to marry.” 
In vain he sought to alter her determination. “ I have 
the utmost i-espect for you, Mr. Martin,” was the most 
she could say. “I am, surprised and pained to have 
unwitting!}^ caused you such a disappointment. I 
know what it is to love unwiseh'. Do not think me 
unsympathetic because I assui'e you that it is better 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 18 & 

that you suffer now than that you should make the 
terrible mistake of uniting- your life to one whose love 
yon can never claim.’’ As soon as she could without 
abruptness, she closed the interview that had given no 
promise of such a termination at its beginning, and 
with hurried footsteps fled to the seclusion of her own 
room, and locking the door sank down on the floor and 
uttered the passionate cry, Oh, Morgan, my love, 
my love ! I thought I was learning to forget you 
when I had only lulled the longings of my heart to 
sleep ! ” 

She pressed both hands to her throbbing head, arose, 
walked to the window, and kneeling down before it laid 
her burning cheek against the pane. She heeded not 
the footsteps of the multitude that hurried by, the rich 
and the lowly, the light-hearted and the oppressed as 
they walked beneath the window where lay the heart- 
stricken girl, who, almost within arm’s length of them 
was as solitai-y and isolated as regards her grief as 
though she were alone in the great large city. 

Then there came a timid rap at the door. She arose 
and opened it, shielded by the darkness. It was Helen, 
one of her little pupils, that spoke. 

Please, Miss Stella, maj^ I come in ? ” 

Yes, dear.” 

Why, you haven’t lit the gas. Miss Stella. Shall 
I light it for jmu ?” 

No, Helen, the firelight is very pleasant.” 

The child came close and laid her cheek affectionately^ 
against her teacher’s face, as she had often done be- 
fore, and, feeling the traces of tears, said, surprisedly, 

Why, Miss Stella, you have been crying; I feel 
the tears on your face.” 

Do you, dear ? ” 

Yes. I didn’t think you ever cried. Have we 


190 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


done anj^thing to hurt your feelings, Miss Stella? 
Have I ? ’’ 

No, Helen, you are a very good little girl, and I 
love you very much.” 

'' Then why do you cry ? ” persisted the child. 

We all have something to make us cry, sometime, 
Helen.” 

Good people, too ; that love God ?” 

Yes, dear, good people, too, have sorrows.” 

But Miss Stella, you told me the other day that 
God only allows his people to have such troubles as 
are best for them to have, and that He will make 
everything right after a wdiile.” 

And so He will, dear,” wdth a sigh. 

You love God, don’t you, Miss Stella ? ” 

^^Yes.” 

Then if He sends you. trouble, isn’t it all right? 
Wh3% Miss Stella,” and the child in the innocence and 
simplicity of her heart, laughed at the very idea, “ if 

know that somebody wdio loves you caused some- 
thing unpleasant to happen, and that He knows wdiat 
is best for you better than 3^ou do, I can’t see how you 
can call it much trouble after all. And I heard j^ou 
say that He’ll make all the ugly places smooth, al- 
though we do not understand how.” 

She was startled at the child’s crude philosophy and 
asked. 

What makes you talk this w^ay, Helen ? ” 

I don’t know. Miss Stella, I just didn’t understand 
wdiy you were crjung, w hen God knows all about your 
trouble, and only sends wdiat is best. Have I w^orried 
you ?” 

Oh, no, dear, you have comforted me. I had lost 
sight of the loving hand, and had only thought of the 
chastening rod.” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


191 


“ I don’t understand you, Miss Stella.” 

“ I mean, my dear, that I will try hereafter to think 
of the goodness of God, and not of my petty trials.” 

Certainly the little one was teaching her teacher a 
lesson on the literalness of faith. And so she sat 
there, talking her sweet, innocent talk until Stella’s 
thoughts were turned into happier channels. When 
she told her it was bed-time, and the loving child 
kissed her good-night and tripped off to her own 
room, Stella knelt by her bedside in perfect compo- 
sure, and said, “ My Father, I thank Thee that Thou 
canst give me strength sufficient for every trial, and 
that Thy loving hand dost control every event of my 
life. Renew again my faith. Oh, Father, and daily di- 
rect my feeble footsteps. Help me from my heart to 
say, ‘ Thy will be done,’ no matter how thorny the 
path may be, so it leads to a blissful haven at last ! ” 

It is no wonder that Philip Martin, with a suscep- 
tible human heart, could not live under the same roof 
with this girl for a year and more without loving her. 
And although her coming into the family has been to 
him onl}’^ a source of disappointment, yet in these 
months she has made such impressions for good on the 
minds of these young children as will never be obliter- 
ated in time nor eteimity. There was no embarrass- 
ment in the friendly, “ Good morning” that passed 
between Philip and Stella the next morning when they 
met in the breakfast room ; and before a w^eek he went 
abroad on business for his father, to be absent from 
home several months. But before the time of his 
absence expired, Stella received a letter from her 
brother stating that her father was sick, and at once 
she determined to go home. There was nothing 
alarming in the letter, but she felt that she must 
go. 


192 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


In communicating her decision to Mrs. Martin, she 
added, You must not think that I have no feeling at 
leaving you. You have been so kind to me, every one 
of you, that I love you all dearl 3 ^ And 1 have been 
happy here, happiei' than I expected to be anywhere. 
Believe me, Mrs. Mai*tin, I shall ever hold you and 
your kind family in grateful remembrance. Dut^^ calls 
me away. Mother does not tell me to come, yet I 
know she needs me.^’ 

The children were loud in their grief when the^^ 
found that Miss Stella was g'oing to leave them, but 
she kissed them into quietness, and ere the day arrived 
for her to go, thej^ had learned to look upon it as the 
very best plan, because she said so. 

Harry Elton appointed himself a committee of one 
to see her safely home, and after many affectionate 
adieux and much kindlj^ advice the}^ started. While 
in the car Stella handed to Mi*. Elton the letter she had 
received bearing the intelligence of Mr, Miller’s death 
and Mrs. Preston’s. He read it through, and handing 
it back, said. 

Strange I did not hear of Mrs. Preston’s death. 
Her husband will be lonely.” 

That was all. Not even the slightest change of 
countenance. “ Pride, not forgetfulness,” commented 
Stella, inwardly, and I do not blame him.” 

Her father was much better when she arrived, and 
all were delighted to have Stella at home again. 


WHICH SHALL It BE ? 


198 


CHAPTER XXII. 

“ It cannot be that earth is man’s only abiding place. It can- 
not be that our life is a bubble cast up by the ocean of eternity, 
to float another moment upon its surface, and then sink into 
nothingness and darkness forever. Else why is it that the high 
and glorious aspirations which leap like angels from the temples 
of our hearts are forever wandering abroad dissatisfied? 

“ Why is it that the rainbow and the cloud come over us with 
a beauty that is not of earth, and then pass off and leave us to 
muse on their faded loveliness ? 

“Why is it that the stars which hold their festival around the 
midnight throne are set above the grasp of our limited faculties, 
and are forever mocking us with their unapproachable glory ? 

“ Why is it that bright forms of human beauty are pre- 
sented to the view, and then taken from us, leaving the thou- 
sand streams of the affections to flow back in an Alpine torrent 
upon our hearts? 

“ We are born for a higher destiny than that of earth. There 
is a realm where the rainbow never fades, where the stars will 
be spread out before us like the islands that slumber on the 
ocean ; and where the beautiful beings that here pass before us 
like visions will stay in our presence forever ! ” 

George D. Prentice. 

“ Blessed are they that are homesick, for they shall come at 
last to the Father s house.” Stillings. 

^^Dr. Preston is more morose and taciturn than 
ever/^ was the universal comment his friends when 
he returned ag’ain to Chicago and his medical practice. 
Yet his patients were wonderfully^ glad to see him for 
all that. His noiseless footstep, gentle voice and 
kindly smile were all harbingers of health to them. 
He had not entered upon his profession without mature 
deliberation, and being a constant student and careful 
practitioner he was veiw successful, and was building 
up for himself a reputation and a name. There was 


194 : 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


one thing veiy uncomfortable about him though to 
gossips and thoiie in general who have a weakness for 
prying into other people’s private affairs. He was 
very reticent. Absolutelj^ no one could be found who 
was able to furnish the gossips with any information 
in regard to his personal affairs, his family or his cir- 
cumstances. Conjecture did what she could, but ex- 
cept with professional bus^^-bodies she is an unsatisfac- 
tory agent. So he pursued the even tenor of his way, 
silent, shut up within himself, content to let the world 
think what it pleased, while he satisfied his own con- 
science as to duty ; and in this unyielding, straight- 
forward way he made friends at every turn in spite of 
himself. 

In vain young ladies wasted on him their pretty 
graces. There was no tremor in the cool, soft fingers 
that lay professionally upon the plump, pulsing wrist 
of youth and beauty, nor unwonted color in the hand- 
some face that scans the lovely features of some at- 
tractive invalid who would willingly risk a few weeks of 
phy’sical pain for the sake of winning the attention of 
this quiet, grave, fascinating man. But finding that 
he could not be taken by storm nor strategy, the young 
ladies pronounced him invulnerable, and — let him alone. 
In the quiet of his study, locked in securely from the 
outer world, and all its meddling and curiosity and 
self interest and tumult, Dr. Preston threw off this 
impenetrable repose of manner, and in all the utter 
abandonment of a child wept over his griefs and sor- 
rows, and battled with the yearnings of his disappointed 
heart. He had secretly kept the promise made to his 
dying mother, to read the Word of God and to pray. 
Still, to him, spiritual things are enshrouded in mys- 
tery, and he scarcely knows how to pray. To him 
^^God is a consuming fire,’’ — a being invested with 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


196 


awful majesty and power, dealing in law a'nd justice, 
but not in mercy, and so distant from him when he 
tried to pray. His father, good and kind, had not the 
tact to appreciate his son^s need, and he longed for the 
gentle mother now happy in the paradise of God. And 
he had promised her to read this book, hallowed by the 
touch of her fingers and the breath of her pra3^ers, and 
and to pra3", and he did it every day he lived, but God 
seemed so far off. Thus months rolled away, and Dr. 
Preston is more ill at ease than ever. He feels his 
burden of guilt more sensibl3^, but he cannot easily 
undo the work of former ^^ears. He cannot clear away 
the mists of delusive ideas gathered from .years of false 
teaching so as to fully take, in all its deep meaning, 
the vision of the cross. 

Late one night he came into his study tired in body 
and particularly" depressed in spirits. He had been 
called to see a child, a very^ bright and interesting boy 
of eight or ten years who had been stricken down with 
a malignant fever. The child was bey^ond hope when 
he arrived, and he stayed with him until he died ; then 
restored the fainting mother to consciousness, and 
after making her as comfortable as possible, and see- 
ing that ever.ything was attended to for the dead, he 
left them. Entering his room he locked the door, sat 
down before the fire, and dropped his head in his hands 
in an attitude of utter weariness. After a while a mur- 
mured pray^er came from betAveen his lips. 

Oh, God! holy and just, Thou sendest Thine af- 
flictions like rain upon Tiiy people, and Thou art ter- 
rible in Thy" justice. Oh, that Thou would’st reveal 
unto me Thy^ love and mercy". God pity me, for I am 
full of sorroAv and there is no joy^ in my life.’^ He 
opened his mother’s Bible and his eyes fell on the 
eighth verse of the second chapter of Ephesians, For 


396 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of 
yourselves ; it is the gift of God.’’ He fell down upon 
his knees, and in the fullness of his heart cried, Oh, 
God ! I pray Thee, give me this saving faith. I know 
not what it is, but it is the gift of God. I know not 
how to approach Thee as I ought, but teach me.” 
The depth of his nature was stirred and he wept like a 
giieved child. Oh, I pray Thee> for the sake of Thy 
Blessed Son, and my own precious mother, whose 
dying lips breathed a prayer for me, give unto me this 
faith that will enable me to trust Thy word. Oh, 
Father, if indeed I may call Thee by so endearing a 
name, show unto me the loving side of Thy character. 
Not that I merit it. I am not worthy that Thou 
shouldst notice me, but, oh, forgive. I cannot dis- 
semble before Thee. Thou knowest I am a grief- 
stricken man full of sorrow, at sea without chart or 
compass; and, oh, I beseech Thee, as I never did 
before, remember the sufferings and death of Thy 
Blessed Son, and for His sake break the fetters that 
have held me captive for so long, and speak peace to 
my wretched heart ! ” He laid his Bible on the chair 
before him and opened it, still kneeling. Was it the 
finger of she who had promised to be his guardian 
angel that pointed to these words ? For He saith, 
I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of 
salvation have I succored thee ; behold now is the 
accepted time ; now is the day of salvation.” He was 
startled as he read the text and began to comprehend 
its deep meaning. Is that true ? ” he asked himself, 
‘^are these words meant for me? Now?” Lifting 
his e^^es to heaven he prayed, Father, help me to 
believe it. Am I now redeemed from the thraldom of 
sin ? I, who have be mi the chief of sinners ? ” There 
came a sudden light into his mind, and it formed itself 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


197 


into this idea, God can save me now as well as at 
any other time. All He asks is, a broken and contrite 
spirit. He reads my heart and knows that I do sin- 
cerely repent of my sins, and am truly soriy foi^ 
having* led the Godless life that I have. I can do 
nothing more. My Saviour did all the rest on Calvary 
I believe that He hears me. I feel a strange Presence 
in my heart. He comforts me and blots out all my 
hideous transgressions. My Father, my Saviour, I 
thank Thee 

And thus did Dr. Preston, alone in the stillness of 
the night, realize for the first time that peace of 
God which passeth all understanding.” His prayer 
was now no longer one of supplication, but of tlianks- 
giving and praise. Long he knelt there, communing 
with God and his own heart, and praying for guidance 
and wisdom so to live that this new-found peace, this 
hope of eternal life, now so strong within him, might 
never be taken away. Rising from his knees he took 
up the Bible as it still lay open before him, and read 
again the verse that had so strangely enabled him to 
make a personal application of the love and mercy of 
God to his own heart, then read on to the end of the 
chapter. Be ^^e not unequally yoked together 
with unbelievers ; for what fellowship hath righteous- 
ness with unrighteousness ? and what communion hath 
light with darkness ? or what part hath he that be- 
lieveth with an infidel.’’ 

Now ye profound theologians, pardon this young 
man, so young in spiritual things, if he gives to this 
passage a literalness that you argue does not belong 
to it. And think it not strange, dear reader, if in this 
important crisis in his life his thoughts revert to that 
other, only less important. Oftimes we count our 


198 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


lines by crises— not by days and ^^ears. And so he 
soliloquized, 

Why, I never knew before that such words were in 
the Bible. Yes, she was right. I can see it now. I 
was no fit companion for her. And ru'de and unrea- 
sonable, I would not accept the promise that she so 
magnanimously offered me. Well, the Lord who is 
able to lift the enormous weight of sin from my soul 
tliat I carried for so many years, is able to strengthen 
me now, and will help me to bear my punishment, and 
live my lonely life to the end.” 

It was near daylight when with a peaceful mind and 
weary bodj^ he lay down to rest. This new life on 
which he was entering required but few outward 
changes from Dr. Preston's habitual conduct. His 
life, so far as the rules of morality were concerned, 
needed no outer changing. The difference was all in 
the inner life. Now a calm and peaceful light shone 
from his clear, blue eyes instead of the restless, hungiy 
soul that looked out before. He had not flaunted his 
atheistical opinions, and not manj^ of his friends knew 
that he entertained them. Being constantly thrown 
with the afflicted, sorrowing and oftentimes d^ing, in 
his extensive practice, he was now enabled to minister 
both to plysical and spiritual nature. Many times it 
became his exalted privilege, as well as duty, to point 
the dying to the Lamb of God. This he did with clear- 
ness and directness, and with that humility which 
characterizes the man who remembers the horrible pit 
from which he himself has been rescued. Da^^s and 
weeks slipped by, filled with unremitting toil, and blest 
and brightened by the smile of an approving and re- 
conciled Saviour. The desire grew strong within him 
to see his native hills again in the gladness of spring- 
time, and her whose tiny, pictured face had lain so near 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


199 


his heart all these days and months and years. Not 
that he hoped for an^^thing* more than a recognition, 
but his heart clamored loudly for one more glimpse of 
her ere he settled down to his life-work; and, if pos- 
sible, an opportunity to tell her that he was in Christ 
a new creature. As he soon found out this was not 
easily accomplished. He was busy day and night, and 
there seemed reall^^ no chance for him to leave his 
field of labor. So he yielded to duty, and Iiis trip was 
postponed from day to day until spring was nearly 
over. But at last there came a time when he was 
allowed a short furlough, so he and his father took 
the eastern bound train, speeding away toward Mary- 
land. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

A MOURNFUL rhyme had been present in Stella 
McMurray’s mind all d'dy, and she had repeatedly said 
to herself, Why am I sad to-day ? ” The sun shone 
brightly, and there was naught in her home but peace 
and love. And more than all, she had heai'd news this 
morning that made her unmistakably glad. Yet was 
her heart heavy, and the spirits of the past that came 
trooping through her soul, brought only unrest and a 
dull hard pain. Taking down her garden hat she 
slipped out of the house, and stealthily, as though 
afraid of detection, hurried down the foot-path across 
the hill, and breathless arrived at the old trystlng- 
place, the low rock in the brook. She had not been 
hei‘e for more than two j^ears. Not once'since the day 
he parted with her in anger ; and she longed to see 
the spot again, and read right here that which had 
made her glad this morning. Taking a letter from her 


200 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


pocket (it was from Mr. Elton), she opened it, and 
after glancing- over several paragraphs, read, I was 
at Mr. Martin’s a few days ago. They were eager in 
their inquiries after your welfare. Phil came home 
from the West a week ago. He met with an old friend 
of ours in Chicago, Morgan Preston, M.D. And 
would you believe it, Stella ? He has embraced religion, 
and has become a zealous, active Christian. All things 
are possible with God.” My Father, I thank Thee,” 
was all that her full heart uttered. But in spite of this 
intelligence her face was sad. It is not the rudd^^, 
happ3' countenance that met us here two j^ears ago. 
Instead of the merrj^ song she sang then, now the 
wailing of her heart is — 

“ Break, break, break, 

At the foot of thy crags, Oh, sea I 
But the tender voice of a day that is dead 
Will never come back to me.” 

But the brook babbles on as it did before, heedless of 
the dark days that have come between the Then and 
the Now. 

This morning there were two new arrivals in the 
neighborhood, Dr. Preston and his father. Their first 
duty was at the churchyard. Here the morning was 
spent in dressing and adorning the little heap of earth 
that covered the form of wife and mother. At the 
head a pure white marble stone bore the inscription : 
^‘Thanks be unto God who giveth us the victory 
through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Their labor of love 
being finished, Dr. Preston decided within himself to 
seek ont some of his old haunts before venturing to 
make a formal call upon Miss McMurray, if perchance 
she would see him. Strange that his footsteps should 
lead him almost unconsciously to the very spot where 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


201 


he had wooed and lost two years ag*o. And stranger 
still, when he reached the place that, there right before 
him, as though the past was but a dream and he was 
just awakening, stood Stella, in almost the very spot 
where he had found her two years ago. As then she 
did not notice his approach, but was silently looking 
down into the water. When he saw her all the strong 
love of his heart rose up within him, struggling for 
expression, but recollecting too well the circumstances 
under which they had parted, his lips only uttered 
doubtingly the single word Stella ! She started at 
sound of that voice, and turning saw someone— was it 
he ? His full beard disguised him somewhat, but he 
had removed his hat, and the wavy brown hair was the 
same, and the general contour of face. She looked at 
him for an instant then faltered out tremblingly, 
Morgan.^’ He read the glad look in her eyes, came 
nearer, and forgetful of pre-determined discretionary 
measures, held out his arms and said, 

Stella, God has forgiven me. Can you ? ’’ 

She placed both hands within his, while a happy sigh 
fluttered up from heart, and this was all the answer 
she made. So the past was bridged over with a regret 
and a sigh and a paean of praise, and two happ3^ souls 
walked slowly back to the old house over the hill. 
Mrs. McMurray saw them coming, bub she did not 
recognize the stranger until he came to the threshold, 
and spoke to her saying, still holding Stella’s hand 
within his arm, 

^^Mrs. McMurray is there room in your motherly 
heart for another son ? ” 

She rose to her feet, lifted her hands ’ki amazement, 
the habitual knitting fell to the floor, and she said, 
^‘Wh3^ Morgan, I don’t know. I hain’t had no 
warnin’. But I suppose I might just as well say yes 


203 


WHICH SHALL IT BE 'i 


to it, and be done with it, for ye look like ye had it 
made uiJ between ye.” 

This seemed satisfactory, and as soon as the first 
shock of surprise- was over, and the good old lad^^ had 
steered the unexpected guest into the parlor, with 
Stella to entertain, she went into the kitchen again, 
and stooping down gathered up her knitting, and as 
she picked up the row of dropped stitches, delivered 
herself thus, 

“ Did I ever in all my born days ? I as soon expected 
to see a ghost as Morgan Preston. Ain’t it queer how 
tilings will work around ? They’ve been a pinin’ for 
each other nigh unto three year— Stella and Morgan 
has. My, my! How times has changed since father an’ 
I was courtin’. I mind wlien he asked me to marry him. 
We wuz walkin’ across the pastur-field one moonlight 
night comill’ home from a quiltin’ at Farmer Jones’s. 
I told him ‘ yes ’ right then and there. He was a good, 
sober, stiddy fellow, and I didn’t see no use parleyin’ 
about it. So I left the old folks for him, and now our 
children are doing the same thing. Well, well, we’ll 
have to give ’em up some time, but it’s- mighty hard to 
let Stella go all the waj^ out there to Chicago.” 

A suspicious moisture gathered in her eyes which 
she wiped away with the corner of her apron. 

To condense a long conversation into a few sentences, 
and thus to hurry to the close, we will say that when 
Dr. Preston came again on the following evening’ he 
succeded in gaining Stella’s consent to a speedy mar- 
riage. She did not wish to be so hasty, but he would 
not hear any proposition that included his returning 
to Chicago without her. 

Her parents yielded a reluctant consent, and they 
were to be married in a month, he staying at home 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


203 


during the time, although his term of absence was 
limited to a w'eek when he left the city. 

So it became a busy time in the McMurray home- 
stead. Only four weeks until the wedding day, and so 
much to be done. Two dressmakers were aciively 
employed in the house on the w^edding outfit. Yet 
Mrs. McMurray is quite dissatisfied with w'hat the}" 
can accomplish in so short a time. The large dining- 
room seems too small for the extensive business that 
is being carried on within it. Cutting and fitting, 
stitching and talking. Silk fabrics, almost rich enough 
to stand alone, lay strewn on one table, on another a 
travelling dress of soft, gray stuff, and piles of white 
materia], boxes of buttons and laces, and cording and 
oraids, until there was hardly a comfortable path in 
the room. In the midst of all this confusion one of the 
ladies glanced out of the window, then turning to Stella 
said in a teasing tone, 

“Well, if there isn’t Dr. Preston. It’s a pity he 
couldn’t stay away until afternoon and let us have the 
morning in peace. Lock the door, Fanny.” 

But this command came too late, for the intruder 
was already in the room. 

“ Well, ladies,” he said, pleasantly, “ this looks like 
business, I'm sure,” stepping first this way and then 
that to keep from treading on some delicate fabric. 
“Don’t let me interrupt you,” he continued, as he 
finally worked his way to a vacant chair at the further 
end of the room. Here one of the ladies took occasion 
to remark to another in reference to his last exclama- 
tion, in a whisper loud enough to be heard all over the 
room, 

“ Observe, he doesn’t wish this matter to be de- 
layed.” 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


•iOi 


“ ‘ Full many a shaft at random sent. 

Finds mark the archer little meant.’ ” 

he quoted, laughing with the rest. Then taking a let- 
ter from his pocket he gave it to Stella, saying, “ This 
was handed me for you this morning, and how could I 
be expected to know that it wasn’t highly important 
that you should receive it at once.” 

It was from Harry Elton, the faithful friend, a 
pleasant letter, congratulating her on the happy tui-n 
affairs had taken. She read it, and handed it to Dr. 
Preston, while a shadow gathered over her face. 

“Very pleasant and complimentary,” he com- 
mented, when he had finished reading. “Certainly 
there is nothing in it to cause the clouds to gather over 
your face, Stella, but there they ai'e.” 

She laughed, thus dispelling them, and answered, 

“ My face is telling tales again. I should have it 
under better control. But I’ll tell j’ou about it this 
evening. And in the meantime, with many thanks 
for your kindness in bringing the letter, I’m going to 
send you home.” 

“ ‘ ’Twas ever thus since childhood’s hour,’ ” he re- 
torted. “But I suppose I must submit to the ‘ powers 
that be.’” 

Stella went out on the porch with him, talked a few 
moments, then he bowed himself off. 


CHAPTER XXIX. 

In the evening when they were sitting together in 
the parlor, Stella said to him, “ Morgan, I promised 
to tell you about my cloudy face, did I not ? Well, 
while reading Harry's pleasant letter, I thought how 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


206 


sad liis lot in life, while he is congratulating me upon 
my happy one. I wish he could be made as happy as 
we.^’ 

So do 1, sincerely,’^ was the reply. ^^But we can 
do absolutely nothing to right the wrong.^’ 

Do you think now that Nina ever really loved 
him? ’’ 

Certainly, I do.’’ 

Perhaps if they were to meet again it w^ould re- 
sult in an amicable adjustment of their former diffi- 
culties.” 

‘‘ I doubt it, dearie ; Nina is terribly unyielding.” 

Surely, Morgan, in all these years she has learned 
that she was mistaken in her estimate of Mr. Elton’s 
character. At any rate this is a clear proposition, un- 
less they do meet again, a reconciliation is utterly im- 
possible.” 

He laughed as he replied, 

And each of them would avoid such a catastrophe 
as they would an interview with a cannibal.” 

Morgan, it must be brought about. Cannot you 
devise a plan in which every particular need not be 
explained ? ” 

“ Never ask a man to contrive a scheme, if there is 
a woman in the case.” 

I'll tell you what I thought of to-day. Simply 
this : of inviting Nina to our wedding. What do you 
think of it ? Of course Henr^^’ll be here. Then don’t 
you see what the result might be ? ” 

‘‘In the first place I think Nina will mildly but 
firmly refuse to come. And neither will he run the 
risk of meeting her.” 

“He shall not know that I have invited her.” 

“ Don’t you think she will suspect a plot ? 


206 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


‘‘No; YOU wouldn't if 3'ou didn’t know there was 
one.’’ 

“But ladies are more suspicious and war3’ than we 
are/’ smilingl3^ Stella brought her writing-desk, sat 
down and dashed off a letter to Nina, then gave it to 
him to mail for her the next daw. After the first 
preliminaries it ran thus: “Accompanying this you 
will receive cards to my wedding. For the sake of our 
olden love and friendship, come. We are going away 
shortly after our marriage, and you and I may proba- 
bly not see each other again for years. Morgan (of 
course, it is understood that it is he I am going to 
many, whom you have exalted to the skies many 
times for my edification), joins me in tills invitation 
extra, and is very urgent that you should come. I 
am not prepared to acce])t a refusal. Let your coming 
be as soon as convenient for you.” 

The answer impatiently waited for came in due 
time. She was coming ; would arrive several days 
before the one set apart for the celebration of the nup- 
tials. She came. Dr. Preston met her at the station, 
and brought her over to Mr. McMurray’s where she 
wa.s warmly welcomed. She looked much the same, 
onl3^ her expression was a little more care-worn, and 
less animated than before. 

All things have an end and so did the few brief days 
intervening between Nina’s coming and Stella’s mar- 
riage. The dresses were finished and laid away, and 
everything was m readiness for the occasion. For a 
week Mr*s. McMurray^ had been in a state of continual 
excitement over the culinary department, laboring 
under the hallucination that something would be sure 
to go wrong. Thej^ were expecting a large companj^, 
and everything must be perfect, or the dear woman 
would go distracted. The country had been ran- 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


207 


sacked for butter that wasn’t garlicky” for the 
cakes ; and then after every possible precaution was 
taken in their composition, and they were beaten until 
every arm in the house ached, the good Vddy still lived 
in momentary dread for fear they would be heavj^, un- 
til she saw them, one by one, taken from the oven as 
light and deiicious as could be desired to gratify an 
epicurean taste. The turkeys, also, had to undergo a 
rigid cross-examination for fear they were not fat and 
juic3" and tender, but at last the requisite number 
were found that promised satisfaction. So, in due 
time, everything was in readiness, and nothing re- 
mained to give Mrs. McMurray uneasiness. 

The evening came, lamps were lighted, the company 
arrived, and the rooms were filled. Kind reader, this 
crude story has been what it advertised itself to be 
from the start, a simple story of country life, and now 
in the denouement, we have a simple, unpretentious, 
substantial country wedding. This is all we claim for 
it. So you will not expect to read of an orchestra 
hidden away among banks of flowers, furnishing en- 
trancing music, and a reporter in the background to 
describe the magnificent toilettes of the distinguished 
lady guests ; and a pooi’, impoverished papa, not re- 
ported, inwardl^^ groaning over the fact that daugh- 
ter’s wedding expenses, so much greater than he had 
anticipated, must be met either by fair means or foul. 
Nothing of the kind. There is not the least effort at 
display. But hearts are sweetly content, and this is 
one of the marriages upon which God smiles. The 
first to enter the room where the ceremony will be 
pei’formed, are the minister and his wife. The same 
faithful minister who had been with Dr. Preston’s 
mother in her last triumphant moments, and who had 
been the first to grasp his hand and saj^, ‘‘ God bless 


208 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


you and keep you faithful/'’ when he told him that 
those pra^’ers were answered and he had passed 
‘‘from death unto life.” Then entered Mr. and Mrs. 
McMurray, Mr. Preston, Sr., and his niece, Mrs. Miller; 
Stella’s brothers, two hy two, then Dr. Preston, the 
hero of the hour> with his chosen bride leaning confid- 
ingly upon his arm. Truly beautiful she looked in 
her bridal dress, a mist of white fleecy stuffj caught 
up here and there with orange blossoms, and her 
glossy curls gleaming out from among the folds of 
her misty white veil. In a few moments the vows 
were spoken which made them husband and wife. 
Among the first to congratulate and kiss the smiling 
lips of the beautiful bride was Harry Elton. 

“ 1 am glad to see you, Harry. When did you 
come ? ” she asked. 

“ Only a little while ago,” he replied. 

But there Avas no time for conversation until the 
congratulations were acknowledged and the company 
seated. Then Mr. Elton came forward, and in a mo- 
ment was talking in his old, easy way, now with Dr. 
Preston, now with his bride. 

“ Stella, you look uncommonly pretty this evening,” 
came out in his old natural Avay ; then, “ But that 
was a blunder. I forgot to address you as Mrs. 
Preston.” 

“Thank you,” Stella answered, smiling; but her 
husband said, 

“As you and — my wife — this in an undertone — 
“ have been such dear and intimate friends for so 
long, I will not circumscribe you now. So compliment 
her as much as you please, sir, and I will endorse all 
you say.’' 

“ And when I compliment your wife,” was the 
laughing rejoinder, “ I want you to understand, sir, 


WiiiCii SHALL IT BE ? 


209 


that I hold a grudge against you . personally, and in 
behalf of her friends ^or taking her so far away from 
us.” 

“I can prescribe a remedy, Mr. Elton, that will 
soothe your wounded feelings as nothing else will. 
Just follow my example.” 

“ Tush, Morgan. Don’t strike a fellow when he’s 
down. You know I was born for an old bach, and I 
expect to fulfil my destiny to the letter. I asked this 
very little piece of femininity here at your side once 
to marry me, and she not only said, emphatically, ‘ No,’ 
but laughed in my face. That’s the sort of luck I’ve 
had in my matrimonial speculations.” 

“ And you laughed as mei'rily as I did,” Stella re- 
torted. “ If I had said ‘ Yes,’ Harrj^ you wmuld have 
been the most discomfited fellow imaginable. What 
would you have done ? ” 

“ Sent for the parsoii,” was the ready reply, and in 
the laughter that followed he moved away to make 
room for others who wanted a -word with the bride and 
groom, who were now being lionized for the first time 
in their lives. After a while Dr. Preston whispered to 
Stella, 

“ I am afraid your little ruse will not work.” 

There, opposite to them, iri solitaiy grandeur sat 
Nina Miller, looking pale, weary and listless, glancing 
at different faces in the room. Several puces removed 
from her, engaged in an animated conversation with 
the handsomest girl in the room, stood Harry Elton, 
laughing gall}" at the sharj? sallies of wit the girl 
threw out so cleverly. 

“ Never mind,” answei-ed Stella, still hopeful, “ some- 
thing may occur j^et that will enable us to capture 
that polar bear over yonder,” pointing to Nina. “It 
is all her fault.” 


210 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


look at him. He doesn’t seem at all discon- 
certed.” 

Why should he ? 'Who would approach such 
frigidity as that ? She isn’t like herself to-night. Be- 
fore he came she was very agreeable, now she is a 
towering' iceberg. But I will still hope for melting 
influences.” 

Agreeably to his friends’ earnest solicitations, Mr. 
Elton consented to remain with them until they should 
leave for Chicago, which would be in a few days. 

, During this interval Mr. Elton and Mrs. Miller met 
daily, almost hourly, decided between themselves 
whether the weather was fine or stormy, always satis- 
factorily to both parties, talked a little on other 
equally important subjects in the most freezingly 
polite manner, but be^mnd this took no notice of each 
other. Stella’s hopes were fast fading. If she casu- 
ally (?) ItJft them together to entertain each other, in a 
little while sometimes one, sometimes the other, would 
make some trifling excuse and leave the room. So 
there was nothing left for her to do but sit calmly by 
and inwardly bemoan the audacity of the one and the 
stubborness of the other. It was the afternoonjDefore 
the day set for their departure, and these two were as 
far apart as the poles. But the consummation so 
devoutly to be wished ” was brought about in a way 
entirely unexpected by them all. Dr. Preston, Avith 
his father and Mr. Elton had gone out for a drive ; 
and on their return, when nearing home, the horses, 
being .young and spirited, took fright, became unman- 
ageable, and turning suddenly in the road, overturned 
the vehicle and threw them all out. Dr. Preston still 
held the reins securely, and with great strength and 
presence of mind succeeded comparatively soon in 
checking the animals, and after securing them went 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 211 

back to the place where his father, unhurt, knelt over 
the insensible form of their friend. In failing, his head 
struck the sharp edge of a milestone which stood on 
the roadside, and here he lay unconscious with the 
blood streaming from an ugly gash in his forehead. 
Dr. Preston was alarmed when he first saw him, but 
upon examination found that the wound was not 
necessarily dangerous, and after binding up the fore- 
head with his handkerchief, he and his father righted 
up the carriage, gently placed him in it, and drove 
the remaining part of the distance home ; then placed 
him on the sofa in the parlor. Stella and her mother 
were terribly frightened when they brought him in, 
but Morgan quieted their fears by telling them that he 
did not think Mr. Elton seriouslj^ hurt ; and he at once 
applied restoratives. 

^^Now,’’ thought Stella, ^Ms my time if ever. If I 
cannot storm the citadel at midday". I’ll surprise the 
garrison at night. If this doesn’t move her. I’ll give 
her up.” So saying to herself she ran hurriedly up- 
stairs to her room where Nina was, and rushing in, 
her face still white from recent fright, said, impetu- 
ously, ♦ Nina, do you know that Harr^^ Elton is 
terribly hurt ? ” 

The woman sprang to her feet, and coming nearer, 
said excitedly. 

What did you say ? ” 

‘^There’s been an accident, Nina.” Then in a man- 
ner better calculated to increase alarm than to allay 
it, she continued, The horses ran away and Mr. Elton 
is injured. But sit down, don’t be alarmed, perhaps, 
he — well, he’s l^dng on the sofa insensible.” 

Nina Miller waited to hear no more, but rushing 
down stairs and into the parlor with a face as white as 
death, she fell on her knees beside the unconscious 


212 


WHICH SHALL IT BE? 


man, took his head in her arms, pushed back the hair 
all matted with blood, laid her cheek against his color- 
less face and moaned, 

Oh, my darling, my darlmg ! ’’ 

The sunlight of love has melted the iceberg. Seeing 
faint but unmistakable signs of returning conscious- 
ness, Dr. Preston and his father walked reverently 
from the room, leaving this woman alone with her 
love and her grief. It is no wonder that Harry Elton 
did not at once comprehend the situation when he 
opened his eyes to consciousness. At lirst his expres- 
sion was onl 3 ^ of glad surprise, then noticing her face 
all bathed in tenderness and tears, he doubtingly asked 
the question, 

What is it, Mrs. Miller ? ’’ 

You have been terribly injured, Harry, but I 
fervently^ pi’a-y that you may not die.’^ 

And if 1 live, Nina, what then ? 

We will not repeat her answer, but it was perfectly 
satisfactory. Dr. Preston, upon leaving the room, 
ran lightly upstairs, and placing his arms about his 
wife who still stood doubtfully in the middle of tho 
floor, said, It’s all right, dearie. Allow me tfo con- 
gratulate you upon the perfect success of your scheme. 
Harry would be willing to risk a dozen upsettings like 
that for the sake of the love that woman is showering 
upon him now.” 

And he isn’t badly hurt? ” 

Oh, no, he'll be all right in a few days.” 

I’m truly thankful.” 

Mrs. McMurray was transfixed with astonishment, 
when, on entering the parlor with a bowl of water and 
a linen cloth to bathe and bind up the wound, she 
came upon, not her son-in-law, but Mrs. Miller, ten- 
derly supporting the injured man, and looking as 


WHICH SHALL IT BE ? 


213 


thoug“h she had secured a bona-fide right so to do. 
Mrs. McMurray meekly handed over her credentials to 
this new usurper and left the room. And as she closed 
the door this good lady was heard to say, 

‘‘Well, this beats my time ! I don’t understand the 
young folks now a da3^s at all. ’Pears to me that the 
more they love each other the contrarier they are. 
-Here this proud, headstrong woman has been a takin’ 
about as much notice of Harry Elton as if he’d been a 
tree-frog, and now because she’s afeard he’s a goin’ to 
die, she’s down off her stilts in a huiu"3% and sidin’ up 
to him, all gentle and tender as a lamb, and ten to one 
if she ain’t just as good as promised to marry him. 
Well, I never ! ” 


THE END. 


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J. S. OGILTIE Publisher , 

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The Fireside Dictionary and Cy- 
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60,000 Words. This Die- 
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contains Concise, Important and CoRRE(rr Articles on the following subjects, 
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date of birth and death of the Famous Personages* op History, art. Science, 
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